Yoshinori Ono

Japan, which decided last December to buy a U.S.-made missile defense system, joined in the joint research on a next-generation shield after North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile that passed over Japan in 1998.

"Is it OK just to conduct joint technological research? That would mean just studying and not carrying it out. This will eventually lead to the joint development and production phase," Ono said.

"If it doesn't there will surely be a question as to why we are doing joint technological research."

Given Japan's various efforts toward international peacekeeping, including its dispatch of non-combat troops to help rebuild Iraq, Ono said he thought Japan could gain the understanding of China, which has viewed the missile defense system as a way to keep its military capabilities in check, for a decision to move ahead on the system.

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 23, 2004
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