Analysis of Ballistic Missile Defense Policy in East Asia: Implications for Sino-U.S. Relations

The vital U.S. national interests of protecting the homeland, citizens abroad and deployed military forces are significantly threatened by current and emerging ballistic missile-capable nations, states of concern and other potentially hostile international organizations. The Asia-Pacific region is increasingly important to U.S. economic health and security. China's long-term goals may include regional hegemony and fierce competition with the United States. Chinese national interests could easily become the source of significant regional conflict in East Asia. Given the stated intent of the current administration to begin deployment of a national missile defense system and the continued development of several theater missile defense systems, the U.S. is at a critical security policy crossroad. Analysis of ballistic missile defense policy in the context of East Asia and the interests of the People's Republic of China will contribute to an understanding of the likely outcomes of the decision to deploy missile defenses.