Asia Times: Australia: The pawn in Bush's stride


	September 12, 2001	atimes.com

Oceania

Australia: The pawn in Bush's stride

WASHINGTON - As it celebrated 50 years of military alliance with the United States, Australia signalled on Monday that it is willing to play a greater role in the development of the new US missile defense shield. Australian Prime Minister John Howard gave the strongest indication yet that US bases in Australia could become a part of the National Missile Defense (NMD) System.

Howard and US President George W Bush used a special ceremony marking the first 50 years of ANZUS to meet for the first time and to reflect on the benefits of the past half-century. Bush said the alliance has helped prevent wars and encourage democracy. "Australia is a strong and peaceful presence in East Asia and the Pacific," Bush said. "Your government and your good people are an example of democracy, individual liberty and the virtues of free trade."

Howard said that Australians valued the defense alliance and that they believe in many of the issues which are important in the United States. But he later indicated that Australia is close to taking the next step towards backing up the United States in the region by supporting the National Missile Defense System.

In a joint statement released after talks, which lasted more than an hour, Australia agreed on the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue. "The also agreed that missile defense could play a role in strengthening deterrence and stability," the communique said.

Bush told reporters he could see a role for Australia in the development of NMD. "The close allies will have close consultation, and I look forward to the prime minister's continuing advice," he said. "We've had great discussion about the Far East, and his advice is very valuable for our foreign policy. There's nothing like a friend who will tell the truth."

Howard, who also met US National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, later told reporters that Australia is sympathetic to the need for the missile shield. "And we talked about it at some length," he said. Howard said that he is pleased that the United States has engaged the Russians and Chinese over the missile defense plans. When asked if Australian facilities, such as those at Pine Gap and Nurrungar, would be used if the program became operational, Howard replied: "Well, I think facilities are there to be used."

Also on Monday, US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld signed a formal agreement for cooperation between Australian and US navies over submarine technology. The deal means Australia will be able to access more up to date US technology in the upgrade of the Collins Class submarines.

(Asia Pulse)