Response 1(To Article 1)

On January 11 2007, China fired a ground-based ballistic missile and destroyed one of its own ageing weather satellites. On the surface, this may seem a domestic affair and a trivial achievement when compared with the far greater advancements made in space by the Americans and Russians. On closer examination, it is an event of far greater significance. It may well mark the beginning of an expensive and dangerous “Space Race”.

As I see it, the Chinese were doing more than just “house cleaning” in space. They have served notice to the world that they have the technology and capabilities to operate in space. Till now this is an area dominated very much by America.

For America, this test is a great affront to their dominance in space and the security of their country. It is well known that America has many spy and communications satellites in space that are vital to many civilian and military activities. These satellites will certainly be high value targets for any enemy contemplating military action against the United States (US). Till now, the Americans have never felt these assets to be vulnerable to attack. This test has changed these assumptions dramatically!

According to a survey by TIME magazine, the Chinese believe they should play a greater role in world affairs given their growing wealth and economy. This test may be a message to the rest of the world on the ascendancy of the Middle Kingdom. China clearly has aspirations to be a world superpower, a status currently enjoyed by only the US, after the fall of the Soviet Union.

The other repercussion of this Chinese missile test is “space debris”. The satellite destroyed by the Chinese while in orbit has created a million pieces of space debris, some large enough to cause damage to other satellites in orbit. While the problem is not a new one, a French satellite, Cerise, was the first verified case of a collision between two objects in space, the act has been viewed as irresponsible by many nations.

I am concerned that this test may lead to increasing tensions between the US and China with the potential to spill over to trade and economic issues. For Singapore, this is not good news. Singapore’s economy is highly dependent on external trade and both China and the US are major trade partners of Singapore. Icy relations may lead to protectionist policies causing a world recession.

Singapore is a close ally of the US in international affairs and it also enjoys very good relations with China. If the US and China were to become enemies, which side is Singapore going to take?

A “Space Race” between nations is going to be very expensive and potentially harmful to the environment. Instead, we should focus our resources and attention to addressing the many pressing problems on earth such as global warming, famine, poverty and religious fanaticism. But, of course, not everyone agrees.