Rocket poker over the hegemony in East Asia: Chinese security policy in the era of American missile defense plans

Abstract

Since the United States withdrew from the ABM treaty on December 13, 2001, China has come under pressure. The deployment of a tactical missile defense in Taiwan could possibly encourage the will for independence on that island. A strategic missile defense system would neutralize China's ability to respond to a nuclear attack from the US. One can expect China to react with a massive build-up of missiles and nuclear weapons. Nonetheless there is still room for negotiations to succeed.

Keywords:

• China
• Taiwan
• Missile Defense
• Tmd
• Nmd
• East Asia
• Hegemony
• Arms Race