China has not divulged the size of its arsenal, but Western military analysts estimate that China has 20 to 30 warheads. I have been told that we could have a series of options. That increase certainly does not mean that China will participate in a nuclear arms race. Sha said no decision had been taken yet. Those are the last things we want to do.
China is a developing country.
That's why we are strongly advising the Americans not to go ahead with this program. It's not in their interest. It's certainly not in China's interest. It's not in anybody's interest. Sha also indicated that experts from China and Russia, which also opposes the proposal, are discussing possible techniques to overcome the missile shield.