Beijing has strongly suggested that a decision to include Taiwan in such a shield would be grounds for a Chinese use of force to retake the island. Conversely, Beijing has in the past hinted that it would be willing to forswear missile sales to Iran in exchange for a U.S. promise not to deploy missile defence for Taiwan. Missile defence was further politicized when Republican presidential hopeful George W. Bush sought in May to solidify his support among conservatives by calling for a robust system in space and on ships in addition to the land-based system proposed by Clinton. The system is pushed by Republicans who want to expose Clinton as weak on defence. Cirincoine also says that for some American conservatives, missile defence is indeed meant to be a weapon against China, which along with Russia is the only country capable of hitting the U.S. with long-range missiles.
Conservative analysts think conflict with China is inevitable and the U.S. has to prepare for that.
The next few years in Asia could be a bumpy ride if America proceeds with missile defence. Countries may have to choose between the U.S. and China. That's every Asian's worst nightmare. Review Publishing Company Limited, Hong Kong. All rights reserved.