Russia Warns it May Have to Deploy New Rockets in Europe

So much for the reset button with Russia.  Russia warned Thursday that it may have to deploy rocket in Europe in order to defend against the European Missile Defence System.

 "We have not been able to find mutually-acceptable solutions at this point and the situation is practically at a dead end," said Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. 

The U.S. and Europeans are ready to go ahead with the deployment of the first elements of the missile defence system next month.  The United States says it is installing the system to protect European allies from an attack by Iran, which the Western allies fear is on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon.

Russia has been opposed to the missile shield from the outset and fears that the deployment would harm its own nuclear deterrence.  Russia has warned that if the United States proceeds, it would be forced to unleash its own massive armament system if the U.S. did not address its concerns.

Russia's Chief of Staff General Nikolai Makarov argues that Russia could station short range Iskander missiles in its Kaliningrad location, which is close to the Polish border, aimed at destroying the system's European infrastructure.

Russia's General's also argue that once the third and fourth phase of the missile system is deployed, it would have the capability to eliminate Russian rockets by the end of the decade.

President Obama was caught on an open mike asking outgoing President Medvedev to give him space until after the election, when he would be able to negotiate some concessions.  Medvednev said he would tell Putin.

Putin, who will be sworn in as Russia's President next Monday, has already cancelled an appearance at this month's Chicago summit to protest the deployment.

Is this a another foreign policy failure?  Hillary Clinton talked famously of the reset button with Russia, the START treaty was signed by the two Presidents, but now it almost looks as if they might be on the brink of another arms race.

If things go sour with Russia and China, how much can realistically be accomplished in the United Nations?   Maybe it's time to find another reset button.

Ellen Tauscher, 

Special Envoy for Strategic Stability and Missile Defense, Missile Defense Conference in Russia

Opening Statement  

Chen to Stay in Beijing - China Demands Apology

China has promised Chinese legal activist Chen Guangcheng that he can pursue a university education in a safe environment.  Hillary Clinton said that the blind legal activist has left the U.S. Embassy on his own accord and in accordance with U.S. values.

Last week, Chen had fled 20 months of house arrest and sought refuge in the U.S. embassy.  Although the U.S. neither confirmed or denied his presence in the embassy, this set up a delicate diplomatic battle between the U.S. and China.

On his way to Chaoyang Hospital, Chen called his lawyer confirming that he was free with clear assurances from the Chinese government.

"'I'm free. I've received clear assurances."'

 Hillary Clinton's Statement:

I am pleased that we were able to facilitate Chen Guangcheng’s stay and departure from the U.S. embassy in a way that reflected his choices and our values. I was glad to have the chance to speak with him today and to congratulate him on being reunited with his wife and children.
Mr. Chen has a number of understandings with the Chinese government about his future, including the opportunity to pursue higher education in a safe environment. Making these commitments a reality is the next crucial task. The United States government and the American people are committed to remaining engaged with Mr. Chen and his family in the days, weeks, and years ahead.

Clinton is in Beijing for high level strategic talks.  This appears to be another diplomatic victory for Hillary Clinton, but time will tell how the Chinese government behaves after Clinton's departure.

The Chen affair drew an angry response from Beijing, which demanded an apology from the U.S. for interference in its internal affairs.

"China is very unhappy over this. The US action is an interference in China’s internal affairs and China cannot accept it," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said.
"China demands that the US apologise and thoroughly investigate this incident, deal with the people who are responsible and ensure these types of incidents do not occur again," he said.

A U.S. official said that there would be no repeat of the incident, but did not comment on the demand for an apology.

Despite Beijing's demand for an apology, this appears to be another diplomatic victory for Hillary Clinton, but time will tell how the Chinese government behaves after Clinton's departure.  Clinton is in Beijing for high level strategic talks.

Update:   A report by the Associated Press,  suggests that Chen Guangcheng was pressured to leave the U.S. embassy against his will amid flimsy promises and possible threats of harm to his family.

House Speaker John Boehner has issued a statement on the latest AP report and America's obligations:

 "Like millions of other Americans, I have followed the story of Chen Guangcheng with admiration for his courage and concern for his safety and that of his family. I am deeply disturbed by the most recent report by the Associated Press, which suggests Chen Guangcheng was pressured to leave the U.S. embassy against his will amid flimsy promises and possible threats of harm to his family. In such a situation, the United States has an obligation to stand with the oppressed, not with the oppressor. Having handed Chen Guangcheng back over to the Chinese government, the Obama administration is responsible for ensuring his safety. While our economic relationship with China is important and vital to the future of people in both countries, the United States has an obligation to use its engagement with China to press for reforms in China’s human rights practices, particularly with respect to the reprehensible 'one-child’ policy."