Abstract:

The Bush administration’s missile defense projects have given rise to negative reactions in Beijing, where NMD is perceived as aiming principally at neutralising the Chinese deterrent. However, Beijing is just as worried about the increasing proliferation of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. For the Chinese leaders, a solution to this problem should be sought by means of international cooperation inspired by the ABM treaty, and not by unilateral means that advocate rescinding the treaty. Beijing also considers that American military assistance to Taiwan is tantamount to interference in its domestic affairs. Regardless of whether the People’s Republic has the capacity to counter an eventual deployment of missile defense protecting the island, it would prefer that all the concerned parties opt for a negotiated solution that would put an end to the tensions that prevail in the straits.

To read the full text in french