AFP, JAKARTA: Indonesia said Wednesday that an Australian-backed US program to develop a missile defence shield could trigger an arms race and undermine regional stability.
“We see that Australia's participation in the missile defense shield program is not conducive for efforts to maintain stability in this region,” said Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda.
“On the other hand, it could also trigger an arms race,” Wirayuda told reporters.
Wirayuda was commenting on planned talks this week between Australian Prime Minister John Howard and US military chief General Richard Myers.
The talks are expected to focus on Australia's commitment to the US missile defence shield which has been criticised by Australia's neighbours and China.
