News that China destroyed one of its satellites with a ground-based ballistic missile should cause international concern since it could trigger an arms race in outer space. China is the third country to carry out such a test following the United States and the former Soviet Union, which conducted similar tests of antisatellite weapons in the 1980s. Theoretically, China now can shoot down spy satellites launched by other countries that orbit closer to the Earth.
The test, belatedly confirmed by Beijing, invited strong reactions from the U.S. and other countries because it took place amid China's strenuous military buildup and modernization. The U.S., which heavily relies on satellites for intelligence gathering, military communication and guiding of missiles as well as for commercial communication and other nonmilitary purposes, lodged a formal protest with China. Japan expressed a concern both from the viewpoint of security and the peaceful use of outer space.
It also demanded a full explanation about the test. Other nations such as Britain, Australia, Canada and South Korea also expressed concerns. It is reported that the Chinese missile fired from central Sichuan Province hit and destroyed a weather satellite more than 800 km above the Earth. The direct adverse effect of the impact is numerous pieces of debris that could endanger other man-made objects orbiting in outer space.