Putin's warning on US missile defence plans

Following his meeting with George Bush in Slovenia, Russian President 
Vladimir Putin told a Moscow press conference that if the US proceeded with 
its missile defence shield, Russia will upgrade its strategic nuclear 
arsenal with multiple warheads. "That will cost us a meagre sum", he said. 
"Russia's nuclear arsenal would be augmented many-fold".

The US plan reverses the achievements on arms control and effectively puts 
an end to both the START 1 and START 2 treaties. The American plan will 
also eliminate verification and inspection requirements.

Commenting on a statement by the US National Security adviser, Condoleezza 
Rice, that the United States would proceed with missile defense with or 
without Russia, Mr Putin said that Russia would not threaten or try to 
prevent American action but would "augment" its nuclear forces without 
regard to treaties that now require the elimination of multiple warheads.

"When we hear statements that the programs would go with us or without us, 
well, we cannot force anyone to do things we would not like them to", said 
Mr Putin. "We offer our cooperation. We offer to work jointly. If joint 
work is not needed, well, suit yourself", he said.

Mr Putin also stated for the first time that Russia has taken an interest 
in ensuring that China's strategic concerns are addressed in this debate.

"The transparency of our action is very important, lest none of the nuclear 
powers feel abandoned or that two countries are making agreements behind 
their back", said Mr Putin.

China's potential

Vladimir Putin visited China before the meeting with President Bush in 
Slovenia. When asked if he had made any commitment to China, he replied 
that "there is a commitment to preserve the balance of security that we 
have now in the world as a whole and in this sense, China is an important 
element, and not only China". Mr Putin also reminded the United States that 
it should bear in mind China's strong economic potential and its growing 
ability to respond to national security threats.

President Putin expressed concern about the possibility that a unilateral 
American deployment of missile defences could result in "a hectic, 
uncontrolled arms race on the borders of our country and neighbouring 
countries".