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Japan Shoots Down Missile In Space
By Paul Midler | December 19, 2007
Japan shot down a ballistic missile in space, high over the Pacific Ocean. This was done in coordination with the United States, and the only thing we can wonder is what China makes of all this. The reaction from Beijing was said to be “muted”, though it added that it “hoped Tokyo’s actions would be positive for peace and trust in Asia.”
China destroyed one of its own satellites in space, leading to great concern over China’s military intentions. I quite like China’s speechlessness over Japan’s recent missile testing, and I wonder where this is all going to lead. None of know what China intends, though it insists “we come in peace”.
When it comes to military involvement, Japan has cold feet - the result of lingering regrets over World War II - but with the US and China both making overtures to Tokyo, it’s going to be interesting to see what role Japan plays in the region in future. The Japan-US missile test is said to be about North Korea, but I can’t help but think this is just as much, if not more, about China.
Topics: China |
December 19th, 2007 at 9:58 am
I expect the Chinese bloggers will say that it is much more difficult to shoot down a satellite in space than shooting down a missile flying in earth’s atmosphere. They are right of course. Space is way further away from earth. And if China wants to think shooting down a satellite flying in a fixed orbit whose position can be calculated to the nearest centimeter days ahead is difficult, that’s their right. They have earned that glory.
As to Japanese intention, how about “defence”. Does it matter who is shooting missiles at you, whether it is North Korea or somebody else, say, the US ? The missile defence system cannot be re-target as a offencive system, and I feel comfortable with it. The 6000 KM range ICBM tested by Pakistan is more of a concern to me in terms of world peace.
December 19th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
You’re damned right it has to do with China!
Would *you* trust this nation right next door to you with over a billion foaming-at-the-mouth braiwashees (think Japan-China soccer matches) biting at the bit to be let loose to “make right” years of occupation, humiliation and brutalization?
This nation (China) with the schizophrenic behavior of one day acting like a peaceful, harmless and humble people and the very next threatening to launch a thousand missiles onto Taiwan??
Wouldn’t trust the CCP as far as I could kick them.