US-China tensionsUS slams China on rocket debris in effort to set rules for space
Call for responsible action reflects concern for Beijing's counterspace ambitions
The Long March-5B Y2 rocket, carrying the core module of China's space station Tianhe, sits at the launch pad of Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province. © Reuters
RYO NAKAMURA, Nikkei staff writer
WASHINGTON -- The wave of criticism from Washington aimed at Beijing over debris from an enormous Chinese rocket that fell back to Earth over the weekend was not just motivated by safety concerns. The U.S. also has another loftier ambition -- taking the lead in writing the international rule book for space and countering any Chinese attempts at militarization.