Greg Sheridan: Chinese can hit enemies where it hurts

IF China is going to shoot anything down, it is better that it be one of its own satellites.

The Chinese action is instructive on several levels.

It proves definitively that China can take out satellites if it wants to. We are reminded, once again, of China's burgeoning technological capabilities.

But the action also reveals Chinese intent. It is important not to overreact here. By intent I do not mean that China intends to wage war with the US in space.

But rather, most of China's massive military build-up in recent years has had two things in mind -- Taiwan and the US.