China reportedly develops anti-missile laser technology
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Monday, November 15
TOKYO -- China is said to have developed laser technology that can
shoot down incoming missiles.
The Hong Kong Standard reports that China's system shoots a laser beam
that destroys the missile guidance systems and causes the projectile to fall
harmlessly to the ground. The newspaper quoted a Beijing source as saying
China has successfully conducted tests of its new technology since late
August.
Chinese Foreign Ministry have declined to comment.
The newspaper said the program is similar to the laser defense system
technology being developed by the U.S. Air Force. The United States is
developing the airborne laser that includes shooting missiles either from an
airborne platform or from a satellite in space.
Meanwhile, China, Japan and South Korea will be among 13 nations that
will meet in Manila on Nov. 28 to discuss increasing political and security
ties. The summit of East Asian nations also plans to strengthen cooperation
in monetary and financial supervision and regulation, including addressing
transnational issues.
In another development, the United States has expressed concern that
South Korea is secretly building ballistic missiles aimed at the communist
north. The New York Times reports that U.S. intelligence analysts have
discovered that South Korea built a rocket motor test station without
notifying the United States.
In April South Korea conducted a short flight test of a new missile that
appeared to violate its agreements with the United States, the newspaper
said. The U.S. officials said South Korea appears to be developing missiles
with ranges of 300 miles[480 kilometers] despite U.S. approval for Seoul to
develop missiles with a range of up to 180 miles [288 kilometers].
Monday, November 15, 1999
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