Britain raises concern over China satellite blast

Britain has voiced concern to China over its use of a space missile to destroy an ageing satellite, Downing Street confirmed today.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said that the UK had protested over the lack of consultation ahead of the January 11 test, as well as about the potential impact of debris from the weather satellite.

British officials raised the matter with China on Wednesday, he said.

The spokesman said that Britain did not believe China had broken international law, but thought the test was "inconsistent" with Beijing's earlier assurances to the United Nations on the military use of space.

There were also concerns that fragments from the explosion might strike other satellites orbiting Earth.

The spokesman said: "We are concerned about the impact of debris in space and we expressed that concern."

And he added, "We don't believe that this does contravene international law.

"What we are concerned about however is lack of consultation and we believe that this development of this technology and the manner in which this test was conducted is inconsistent with the spirit of China's statements to the UN and other bodies on the military use of space."

Kate Hudson, chairwoman of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said the development showed the urgent need for a new international treaty, adding: "Weapons have no place in outer space.

"It is essential for the future of humanity that this frontier remain peaceful and free from dangerous weapons.

"We urge all countries to immediately sign and ratify a treaty to prevent an arms race in outer space. All countries must give unconditional assurances that they will not put weapons in space."

Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said: "We are concerned by both the manner in which the test was conducted and the lack of consultation regarding it."

"It is vital that all nations, including China, avoid actions to create a space arms race."

Copyright Press Association 2007