Tuesday, February 21, 1995 - 1:30 p.m.
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Q: Concerning this matter reported in the New York Times February 18th of PRC Foreign Minister criticizing, in fact condemning plans on the part of the United States to protect its forces in far Western Asia, especially in Korea and Japan, with some kind of theater anti-missile defense. The first question would be, is the U.S. indeed contemplating a theater ballistic missile defense in that area? Second, what would be your reaction to the comment of this Foreign Minister? It said at one point the official raised his voice and accused the United States and the news media of falsely portraying China as a threat to international peace.
A: The answer to the first question is yes, we are contemplating the construction of a theater ballistic missile defense system there and elsewhere where our forces may be at risk. Secondly, this is not directed at China.
Q: This would not defend against missiles launched from China into that theater?
A: We're talking about a defensive system, first of all. It shouldn't be confused with an offensive system, they're entirely different. Secondly, this is not a system that's being erected specifically with China in mind.
Q: China says that we would have a theater [anti-shield] and that would be unfair and unsatisfactory, unacceptable for them.
A: I don't think we should think of defensive weapons as dangerous.
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