S. Korea Opposes Joining US Missile Defense System

Defense Minister Kim Jang-soo Thursday expressed his objection to the idea of joining the U.S.-led global missile defense network aimed at intercepting high-altitude ballistic missiles, citing financial problems.

"To participate (in the U.S. missile defense shield), we have to purchase state-of-the-art early warning `systems' and missile interceptors that require a big budget," Kim told a press briefing at the ministry in Seoul. "Our military is building a low-altitude missile intercept shield."

Kim also opposed Seoul's participation in the U.S.-led Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), aimed at interdicting North Korean ships suspected of carrying material that could be used for weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

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