China admits anti-satellite test, commits to 'peaceful space'

WhysJan 23rd, 2007 - 23:45:31

It is disingenuous for China to carry out this test without forewarning, then claim to have no desire to weaponize space. On the other hand, from a national security perspective, it is every bit in China's interest to have this capability.

I've seen much talk about what risks this might pose for U.S. spy satellites. What seems overlooked is the risk this poses for U.S. telemetry satellites. Could it be that what China is *really* targeting is the nascent U.S. missile shield?

Perhaps China is concerned that once fully operational, the U.S. might believe itself safe from China's nukes. An imbalance in the global policy of mutually assured destruction would be provocative indeed.

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