Cold War #2

On 1/22/07 The New York Times reported that the Chinese have conducted a test in which they launched a missile to destroy a weather satellite. This military success is part of the Chinese greater military build up and is important because they now have the ability to destroy low-orbit spy satellites that the US and allies use to monitor the Chinese. The Chinese military build-up has been shrouded in secrecy, and is eerily reminiscent of the US and USSR buildups during the Cold War. Following this test the Chinese did not come forward with their development and when confronted by the US and allies, they refused to comment. The US seems not to know why China is developing this technology when the rest of the world has determined it is no longer important. This uncertainty of motives has led, as David Sanger comments in the article, that, "every case of muscle-flexing by competing powers [is] examined for evidence of a deeper agenda," which is exactly what happened during the Cold War and led to the huge weapons build-ups.
The mystery here is deepened by the US's deeply engrained misconceptions of China and its government system. At numerous points throughout the article, it is suggested that the military performed the test without the knowledge and permission of higher officials. This proposition is implausible. The government is run from the top down with the president, Hu Jinao and his cabinet members in total control. Every command comes directly from the top, especially regarding a military issue that would cause great international attention. China’s rapid growth (economic and political) and its leaders’ determination to continue on that path, makes them very aware of every decision made and how it will affect them in the international arena.
This article is filled with common stereotypes and misperceptions of China, demonstrating the general sentiments and beliefs of the more general US population. If the US continues to promote these feelings, uncertainty and even fear will become ingrained in relations with China and a regression back to Cold War politics will be imminent.
See article
Sanger, David E & Joseph Khan. "U.S. Tries to Interpret China’s Silence Over Test." The New York Times Online. 1/22/07.