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Common Ground In The Sky: Extending The 1967 Outer Space Treaty To Reconcile U.S. And Chinese Security Interests, Alex B. Englehart

Washington International Law Journal

A storm is brewing 100 kilometers above the Pacific Rim. The early 21st century finds the People’s Republic of China in the throes of astronomical economic growth, national development, and military expansion. The United States, meanwhile, is staunchly determined to develop an effective missile defense system and to extend its military capabilities in space as it pursues its global war on terrorism. China sees U.S. military space activities as a threat and, along with Russia, has pushed hard in recent years for a ban on all space weapons. So far, the United States has been unwilling to negotiate on the …