Space Is the Place for Losing Face

China shoots down one of its own, defunct weather satellites with a ballistic missile from an anti-satellite system. The US and others cry foul.

"The US believes China's development and testing of such weapons is inconsistent with the spirit of co-operation that both countries aspire to in the civil space area," [US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe] said.

"We and other countries have expressed our concern regarding this action to the Chinese."

But here's the problem with that having much play on the international scene.

This latest strategic document places America's emphasis squarely on making use of space for defensive purposes, linking this to protecting US national security.

It says the US will develop "capabilities, plans and options to ensure freedom of action in space", and if directed, will "deny such freedom of action to adversaries"...

Last year the US rejected a call from 160 other United Nations countries to have talks on banning weapons in space.

I won't harp on the hypocrisy. That would be too easy. I just want to point out that American exceptionalism on the international scene doesn't work any more, especially not with this president.