US general accuses Russia and China of collaborating to 'destroy' US satellites

A senior US military general has accused Russia and China of actively developing space weapons to overwhelm many US military assets such as satellites.

General John Hyten, head of the US Strategic Command (USSC). Photo: REUTERS

According to CNN (USA), General John Hyten, head of the US Strategic Command (USSC), expressed this opinion at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, California last weekend.

"They've been building, testing, developing ground-based weapons, jamming weapons, laser weapons, and they've made no secret of it," said John Hyten.

“They are developing these capabilities to challenge the United States, to challenge our allies, and to change the balance of power in the world,” the USSC chief continued.

And he asserted: "We cannot let that happen."

Russia and China have seen how successfully the US military used satellites in military campaigns such as the 1991 Gulf War, and are now seeking to overwhelm the US's ability to use satellites in future conflicts, according to Hyten.

US space satellites also play a particularly important role in providing early warning to US military strategists about missile launches by enemy forces.

According to Mr. Hyten, protecting US satellites in space is not simple. He called for solutions to protect these military assets.

On the other hand, Mr. Hyten also admitted that there are currently no rules of engagement when it comes to a military conflict in space. Therefore, according to him, there needs to be international practices on this issue.

Heather Wilson, the US Air Force secretary, said the US needed to firmly implement a new policy and make it clear that if the command and control of US warning satellites were threatened, the US would “consider it an act of war” and respond. “It may be time to start talking about this,” Wilson said.

According to Tuoi Tre