Some Chinese are not buying the U.S. explanation of why it shot down a crippled spy satellite.
On the internet and in newspaper commentaries, Chinese suggest that there is more to the story than the Pentagon’s stated concern that the errant satellite could fall to Earth and dump a barrage of toxic propellant on humans.
Among their suspicions: The U.S. Navy carried out the strike to test new anti-satellite technology, or the strike was a U.S. attempt to intimidate Russia and China.
I’m concluding a five-week trip away from China, and still a couple of days away from my return. But it is striking to read the doubts in the Chinese media at events that U.S. readers might take at face value.
Check out the latest post on the always-insightful China Matters blog about the U.S. strike. (Warning: I believe it is blocked for those within China.)
Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao demanded greater transparency from Washington, using similar language that U.S. officials used in early 2007 following China’s strike on an aging weather satellite, displaying its space warfare capabilities.
“China is continuing to closely follow the possible harm caused by the U.S. action to outer space security and relevant countries," Liu said at a regular briefing today.
“China further requests that the U.S. fulfill its international obligations in earnest and promptly provide to the international community the necessary information and relevant data... so that relevant countries can take precautions.”
Tim, why do you find it "striking" that the Chinese don't take it at face value? Because the US is a democracy so it is generally more honest about its intentions?
Why should the Chinese take it at face value? Do the Americans ever take what China does at face value? 只许州官放火，不许百姓点灯？
Posted by: Pffefer | February 21, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Because US just shot down a deomocratic satellite with a democratic missle
Posted by: wk | February 21, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Tim,
"But it is striking to read the doubts in the Chinese media at events that U.S. readers might take at face value."
The US military apparently has set up an IQ test for the people of the world.
"the Pentagon’s stated concern (is) that the errant satellite could fall to Earth and dump a barrage of toxic propellant on humans."
Believe or not believe? That is an important question. The result will tell if your IQ is above or below room temperature.
It seems that you have partially decided to take part in this test.
Your score is "it is striking to read the doubts in the Chinese media at events that U.S. readers might take at face value."
Posted by: cc | February 22, 2008 at 08:21 AM