China

I don't really have a reaction on this, although I know it is an important story.

Concern grows over China's satellite-killing missile test

Just a couple of thoughts:

• While China has been coming closer to the mainstream in the world community, there is no doubt that the regime there still has great potential for tremendous violations of human rights and hostile actions. Whether with its policies of virtual genocide in Tibet or its persecution of political opponents, China is not the sort of nation that we in the US can feel comfortable with. The Chinese governments paranoia when it comes to criticism is profound, and troubling.
• The US is not in much of a position to complain about what China is doing, since the US has committed major resources since the 1980s to a missile defense system that could serve a very similar purpose to what China has done. To complain too strongly would once again sound as if the US has a separate standard for itself than for the rest of the world, and that we and only we are entitled to certain sorts of technologies.

I don't know where this will lead. It will be a story to watch.

GP