Intro

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China’s new hypersonic weapon system is generating headlines once again, with a new and, to many, worrying development. We report on the latest information and ponder the possible consequences.

Today’s update is 360 words, 1.8 mins

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1-Big Thing

China’s intensifies the space weapon race

Source: Nikkei

What’s the deal: The ‘noise’ surrounding China’s new hypersonic weapon system is growing.

The latest news about the orbital system, which will likely have the capability to remain in space over an extended period of time, is that it deploys a hypersonic glider.

This may enable it to launch its own projectiles to execute a strike.

Why it matters: Moving at hypersonic speed in sustained orbit around the globe, U.S. officials warn that such a system would be difficult to detect, identify and track.

This would reduce the time that a defender has to categorize and respond to an incoming nuclear strike.

Our take: Although details of the Chinese system are still scant, the U.S. and others may feel compelled to actively prepare for the eventuality that the orbital hypersonic weapon system is realized. This could result in a new kind of international arms race.

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