WASHINGTON -- The U.S. intends to continue talks with Japan to move forward with deployment of the Aegis Ashore missile shield, David Helvey, acting assistant defense secretary, said Thursday, in the first remarks by a senior U.S. official since Tokyo decided to halt the program.
Noting that Japan announced a suspension, not cancellation, Helvey, who specializes in Indo-Pacific security, said the two countries are "engaged in technical discussions" to put the project back on track.
