U.S. negates defense program fears
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The United States dismissed on Friday growing anxiety of an arms race over its missile defense program with Australia, saying that there was no evidence to support the allegation.
U.S. State Department spokesman at large Philip Reeker said here on Friday that Washington had begun the program two years ago and it had not triggered any arms race among other major countries, such as Russia and China.
Reeker pointed out that Washington had withdrawn from an anti- ballistic missile treaty with Russia in 2001, but it had not created an arms race as people expected.
"Two years ago we formally withdrew from that and began to deploy our missile defense and there is no arms race. Our relations with Russia is as good as ever," Reeker said.
"With the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction ... our leaders had a responsibility to take the steps necessary to ensure the defense of our country," he added.
The U.S. launched late last year a new program dubbed the "son of Star Wars", which has the capability to shoot down all ballistic missiles that pass through U.S. territory.
Indonesia has been watching the plan closely, as Australia has announced its decision to join the program.
The move has drawn strong criticism from its Asian neighbors, who fear that the program would encourage a regional arms race.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda has voiced the same concern, saying that the program may destabilize the region.
The wariness has worsened as Australia, often seen as the deputy sheriff of the U.S. by its Asian neighbors, is considering the purchase of an anti-missile defense system from the U.S.
Australia has tried to reassure its neighbors that this would not be a threat, as it was a defense program and not designed to make offensive strikes.
Reeker further underlined that following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the U.S. felt that missile defense had to be pursued.
"I think that it does not lead to an arms race or instability; we deal with the current threats pragmatically and utilize modern technology to make us more secure," he said.