Asia's Military Space Race Heats Up

Quiz time: Who, in the last few weeks, said this:

"We'll build up space war capabilities in three stages by deploying warfare-ready laser weapons and establishing a space operations command by 2025."

No, it's not Dr. Evil. And remember, Rummy isn't in office any more (though he might have his own plans for some deserted island somewhere...). According to the Korean Chosun Ilbo, a senior air force official of that country offered the comment during an air force audit, the same day that China launched its moon probe.

It's not a coincidence. China's growing economic and military strength, including its successful test of a satellite-smashing missile, is ruffling military feathers around the Pacific. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are clearly concerned; but this is the first I've heard of their openly making contingency plans, like the United States, for space-based hostilities.

Chosun's military affairs reporter applauds the move:

(O)ur country needs to begin considering the military uses of space, however belatedly. If we are irresolute and we hesitate, we might have to watch as space, a very important area for our national security, is dominated by our neighbors.

International arms discussions need to be held. If a quiet military arms race gets out of control in space, where borders don't exist, and there's all kinds of room for "accidentally" stumbling into each other's military satellites -- well, there could be trouble.

Korea Is Falling Behind in the Latest Space Race [Chosun Ilbo]

(Image credit: Katerw, via Flickr)