China concerned about falling US satellite
18 February 2008
China has expresssed concern about the US military's plans to shoot down a damaged spy satellite that is falling toward Earth with 1,000 pounds of toxic fuel, the AP reported, citing state media. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said China was monitoring the situation and that China hopes the US avoids damaging security in outer space. The US military has said it hopes to destroy the satellite just before it enters Earth's atmosphere by firing a missile from a Navy cruiser in the northern Pacific Ocean. Russia has also voiced concerns about the plans, saying it may be a veiled test of America's missile defense system, a charge which the US has denied.