U.S. Defense Report: China Working on Anti-Satellite Systems

[icymist]

U.S. Defense Report: China Working on Anti-Satellite Systems
By Leonard David
Senior Space Writer
posted: 27 July 2005
08:03 am ET

A recently issued report by the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense has cast an eye on China’s growing space capability.

The annual report -- The Military Power of the People’s Republic of China 2005 – flatly claims that China is developing and intends to field anti-satellite (ASAT) systems.

In assessing China’s overall military prowess, the U.S. Defense report stresses that China is "facing a strategic crossroads." Noting that China’s emergence has significant implications for the region and the world, the Defense Department assessment stresses that "questions remain" about choices that China’s leaders will make regarding its military might as that country’s power and influence grow.

<snip>

The report cites the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency as believing that Beijing "eventually could develop a laser weapon capable of damaging or destroying satellites."

Given this technology -- at lower power thresholds – "Chinese researchers may believe that low-energy lasers can ‘blind’ sensors on low-Earth-orbiting satellites," the report suggests, but whether Beijing has tested such a capability is unclear.

(More)
http://www.space.com/news/050727_china_military.html

Star Wars in reverse? When reading that this is 'intelligence from the Sectary Of Defense' I couldn't help but wonder if it is true or just another scheme to suck more money into a weaponised space program! Sad!

[Deja Q]

1. Okay. China is a threat. What a novel concept. Now tell the corporate

to get our jobs and securty interests out of there. :dunce:

[icymist]

2. China already owns a huge amount of US debt.

They don't need to place weapons in space, just pull the noose tighter around our financial neck!

[wli]

3. there are open documents on China's strategies

Their military aims are mostly defensive. Their offensive aims are, of course, financial.

[xchrom]

4. every one is our enemy!

what else can you say.