US: Missile defense for NKorea threat, not China

WASHINGTON — The U.S. says its missile defense systems in Asia are designed to defend against the threat from North Korea and are not directed at China.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the U.S. is planning to expand its missile defenses in Asia. It said the U.S. is discussing with Japan positioning an early-warning radar in southern Japan, supplementing one already in place in the country's north.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland says the U.S. is taking a phased approach to missile defense in Asia, as it is in Europe and the Middle East. She did not comment on specific plans.

Nuland told reporters: "These are defensive systems. They don't engage unless missiles have been fired."

She said U.S. has broad discussions with China about the systems' intent.