China Confirms Anti-Satellite Missile Test, Denies Engaging in Space Arms Race

China's foreign ministry has confirmed reports that the country tested a satellite-destroying missile earlier this month. Foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said Tuesday that Beijing has informed Washington of the January 11th test, in which it used a ground-based missile to destroy an aging Chinese weather satellite.

Liu Jianchao says the test should not be viewed as a threat and does not mean China is engaging in an arms race in space. The U.S. State Department says Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill raised concerns about the missile test during a visit to Beijing Monday. It says Hill urged Chinese officials to be more forthcoming about their missile activities.

Last week, U.S. officials said that debris from the destroyed Chinese satellite could endanger people in space and on the ground.

中国外交部证实媒体有关中国本月早些时候进行导弹摧毁卫星试验的报导。外交部发言人刘建超星期二说，北京已经告知华盛顿有关1月11号的测试事宜。中国在试验中用陆基导弹摧毁了一颗年久的气象卫星。

刘建超说，这次反卫星导弹试验不应被看作是一种威胁，这不意味着中国进入太空军备竞赛。美国国务院说，助理国务卿希尔星期一访问北京期间对这次导弹试验表达了关注。国务院说，希尔敦促中国官员在导弹活动方面更加坦诚。

美国官员上个星期说，被击毁中国卫星得碎片可能危及太空和地面人员。