Japan renounces testing of anti-satellite weapons after US - Foreign ministry
13 Sep 2022 02:31pm
Photo for illustration purposes only - 123RF Photo
"This decision is a result of the Government of Japan’s considerations after the US Government’s announcement not to conduct destructive, direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) missile testing in April," the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday in a statement.
The ministry emphasised that Tokyo aims to actively promote discussions in the international community concerning the development of norms of responsible behaviour in outer space.
At the same time, the country will "continue to play an active role to achieve secure, stable and sustainable outer space."
US Vice President Kamala Harris announced the decision to ban US anti-satellite weapons tests during her visit to Vandenberg Space Force Base in the state of California earlier in April.
Nasa Administrator Bill Nelson called on other countries to impose a similar moratorium on the testing of anti-satellite weapons.
At that time, the former head of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin noted the inconsistency of the US administration and requested an adequate response to the proposals of Russia and China on a treaty on the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space. - Bernama
