Shanghai Noon
In the fall of 2006, the US quietly released an unclassified document summarizing their national space policy [PDF]. In the document, the Bush Administration provides some directional statements which alarmingly points to their goal of un-tethering the military to utilize space as a platform for national security activities.
In keeping with their foreign policy of belligerence during the reign of Bush Jr., the US has been living the spirit of this policy for sometime. They have derailed nuclear non-proliferation talks in recent years, and have ignored Russian and Chinese pressure to not pursue the militarization of space. True to their intentions, the space policy document clearly states that the US intends to point missiles down at our little nest that is the blue marble. [Read more in the Washington Post.]
Elsewhere in the world, Japan which has long had a military policy that was governed by the concepts of self-defence as enshrined in their constitution after the second world war, is starting an uneasy metamorphosis of their military. In a 2005 policy document on defence, Japan sets the direction of its military. Notable in the document is strengthening of the US-Japan alliance to maintain US dominance in the Pacific, and Japan's new found interest in a ballistic defence system. Japan also recognizes that China's influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
China meanwhile has embarked on efforts to modernized its military. The direction seems to be for a smaller conventional force, with more modern capabilities in strategy and effectiveness. China is figuring to leapfrog adversaries on its way to superpower-dom. Playing a large role in this strategy is China's continued need to keep Taiwan in check. Taiwan remains independent even as it grows economically closer to the mainland. However, a declaration of independence would trigger a cascade of dominoes from Bejing, to Washington, to Tokyo. Containing Taiwan is in everyone's interest, including the US, but preparedness for a declaration of independence is prudent.
Complicating matters in China is politics. Hu Jintao has yet to consolidate complete power of the Communist Party under him. Hu is not a military man, unlike his predecessor -- and he has yet to secure control of the military. He needs to demonstrate that he can also command the military, and is looking out for their interests. The military is very much the core of the Communist Party's strength in China. Without the military, the Communist Party doesn't have a hope in hell of staying in power. Without the Communist Party in power, China would most likely suffer an economic collapse, and take most of the world with it.
With all of these cards in play, the Chinese recent demonstration that they can bring down an orbiting satellite with a missile can be put into horrifying context. Hu Jintao is demonstrating that he's a military man, who isn't afraid of sending a US administration -- hellbent on antagonizing the world by militarizing space -- a message. China is developing the capability of rendering a missile defence shield useless. All of this of course, makes the world a little more of a dangerous place, as nuclear proliferation continues and tension between the superpowers increase. I don't expect that the US or China will start lobbing missiles at each other -- but when and where will their proxy war be fought?
- The United States is committed to the exploration and use of outer space by all nations for peaceful purposes, and for the benefit of all humanity. Consistent with this principle, "peaceful purposes" allow U.S. defense and intelligence-related activities in pursuit of national interests;
- The United States considers space systems to have the rights of passage through and operations in space without interference. Consistent with this principle, the United States will view purposeful interference with its space systems as an infringement on its rights;
- The United States considers space capabilities -- including the ground and space segments and supporting links -- vital to its national interests. Consistent with this policy, the United States will: preserve its rights, capabilities, and freedom of action in space; dissuade or deter others from either impeding those rights or developing capabilities intended to do so; take those actions necessary to protect its space capabilities; respond to interference; and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to U.S. national interests;
- The United States will oppose the development of new legal regimes or other restrictions that seek to prohibit or limit U.S. access to or use of space. Proposed arms control agreements or restrictions must not impair the rights of the United States to conduct research, development, testing, and operations or other activities in space for U.S. national interests.
In keeping with their foreign policy of belligerence during the reign of Bush Jr., the US has been living the spirit of this policy for sometime. They have derailed nuclear non-proliferation talks in recent years, and have ignored Russian and Chinese pressure to not pursue the militarization of space. True to their intentions, the space policy document clearly states that the US intends to point missiles down at our little nest that is the blue marble. [Read more in the Washington Post.]
Elsewhere in the world, Japan which has long had a military policy that was governed by the concepts of self-defence as enshrined in their constitution after the second world war, is starting an uneasy metamorphosis of their military. In a 2005 policy document on defence, Japan sets the direction of its military. Notable in the document is strengthening of the US-Japan alliance to maintain US dominance in the Pacific, and Japan's new found interest in a ballistic defence system. Japan also recognizes that China's influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
China meanwhile has embarked on efforts to modernized its military. The direction seems to be for a smaller conventional force, with more modern capabilities in strategy and effectiveness. China is figuring to leapfrog adversaries on its way to superpower-dom. Playing a large role in this strategy is China's continued need to keep Taiwan in check. Taiwan remains independent even as it grows economically closer to the mainland. However, a declaration of independence would trigger a cascade of dominoes from Bejing, to Washington, to Tokyo. Containing Taiwan is in everyone's interest, including the US, but preparedness for a declaration of independence is prudent.
Complicating matters in China is politics. Hu Jintao has yet to consolidate complete power of the Communist Party under him. Hu is not a military man, unlike his predecessor -- and he has yet to secure control of the military. He needs to demonstrate that he can also command the military, and is looking out for their interests. The military is very much the core of the Communist Party's strength in China. Without the military, the Communist Party doesn't have a hope in hell of staying in power. Without the Communist Party in power, China would most likely suffer an economic collapse, and take most of the world with it.
With all of these cards in play, the Chinese recent demonstration that they can bring down an orbiting satellite with a missile can be put into horrifying context. Hu Jintao is demonstrating that he's a military man, who isn't afraid of sending a US administration -- hellbent on antagonizing the world by militarizing space -- a message. China is developing the capability of rendering a missile defence shield useless. All of this of course, makes the world a little more of a dangerous place, as nuclear proliferation continues and tension between the superpowers increase. I don't expect that the US or China will start lobbing missiles at each other -- but when and where will their proxy war be fought?
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