Chinese Proud, Defensive About ASAT Test

摘要

After shooting down one of its weather satellites Jan. 11, the Chinese government maintained a baffling silence until Jan. 23 when it confirmed foreign reports of the event. Since then, government leaders in Beijing have said little, but the same cannot be said for some of China's 1.3 billion people, who are expressing patriotic pride and defending their military's technological achievement. News of the anti-satellite (ASAT) test trickled into the Chinese mainland hours after the first official U.S. reports appeared Jan. 18. Shortly thereafter, commentary emerged on major Chinese internet forums, a proxy barometer of public opinion. Although some Chinese initially voiced doubts about the authenticity of the news, the reaction was generally positive. A typical opinion appearing on the military forum bbs.military.china.com stated, "[The test] is of great political significance to our country...and a milestone in our country's scientific advancement. Our army can no longer be considered backwards."