Australia to join missile shield

[no_arbusto]

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- The Australian government has decided to take part in the controversial U.S. missile shield system, a move likely to earn the displeasure of key trading partner China.

The conservative Howard government announced the move Thursday, after indicating in February this year that it would examine possible involvement in the project.

"We believe that taking part in the U.S. program will serve our strategic interest, help us defend Australia and allow us to make an important contribution to global and regional security," Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/auspac/12/03/aust.missile/index.html

To paraphrase David Cross: "Well, since you really want to know, quite simply a missile defense shield is a net made of magic held in place by pixies."