A sharp argument in the Financial Times, again, on China’s anti-satellite missile test that exposes the consequences of the U.S.’s many failings (photo from pravda.ru):
On this occasion, as before, China has put into practice a ruthless, rational and legally defensible strategy that exploits a key weakness of the world’s biggest economy and sole military superpower.
Sure of its ground, the Chinese government – after a test whose only aim was to prove it could obliterate enemy satellites in low earth orbit – even had the gall to declare that “China has never, and will never, participate in any form of space arms race”. This was no more truthful than President George W. Bush’s insistence that “we do not torture” detainees.
If China is to be held to account for its actions – whether in polluting the world, persecuting its dissidents, supporting dictators or disturbing the peace in space by blowing up satellites – the US must re-arm itself with credibility, moral conviction and a willingness to help craft and then submit to international law. [Full Text]
