China's recent decision to blast one of its own satellites from the sky using a ground-based missile has re-ignited concerns in Washington that a potential military rival could be seeking to "weaponize" space. While China's Foreign Ministry stressed that the "test was not directed at any country and does not constitute a threat to any country," the destruction of its own satellite has created a hotbed of speculation regarding Beijing's possible ulterior motives. Some China experts contend it was an attempt by Beijing to pressure Washington to negotiate an international treaty banning weapons in space. The Bush administration, however, remains steadfastly opposed to any such agreement, preferring to keep U.S. options in space open and reserve the right to use military force against those who might try to interfere with, or destroy, American satellites.
China’s Anti-Satellite Test Revives Debate About Space Warfare
