AWAJI ISLAND, Hyogo Pref. -- A former Australian prime minister has slammed the decision of U.S. President George W. Bush to deploy an as-yet undeveloped missile defense system in Asia, saying it poses a "significant" threat to stability in the region.
During an interview with The Japan Times, Malcolm Fraser on Sunday criticized Washington for approaching Japan, Taiwan and other governments on the issue but excluding China from its plans. "When the U.S. decided to make these devices available to other countries but excluded China, it turned a page in the book," he said. "It indicated what it was really aimed against."
"Even though it may not work, if a country believes it is aimed at them, it has to act as though it may work. Other countries will start to adjust their policies as well, including Russia."