February 7, 2011 :: The Telegraph :: News
In February of 2008, seasoned national security observers mused that the shoot-down of a malfunctioning satellite by the U.S. was a direct response in kind (really, a demonstration of comparable capability) to the similar display of capability by China a little over a year earlier. Wikileaks has now confirmed those musings.
The U.S. objected immediately and strenuously to the Chinese shoot-down of a satellite more than 20 years after the U.S. had conducted any similar exercise. Before shooting down its own satellite in 2008, the U.S. notified Beijing that any interference with space-based U.S. assets could result in a wide range of responses, including the use of military force.
The Chinese have cited the development of a U.S. airborne laser as partial impetus for the aggressive ASAT test. An airborne laser that can intercept missiles in their boost phase while they are in airspace over the country that launched them is considered to be an "offensive" missile defense system by the Chinese. (Article)
» Jeff Foust on the Chinese ASAT
» Jim Oberg on Chinese ASAT
» Vago Muradian on Chinese ASAT Test
» Jim Oberg on China's Political ASAT Strategy
