Russia dismisses China "satellite killer" test

Moscow, Jan 19 (UNI) Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov today denied media reports that a Chinese ballistic missile hit a satellite, saying they were "highly exaggerated rumours." "I have heard such rather unsubstantiated reports, and I am afraid they are unfounded," Mr Ivanov said.

"The rumours are largely exaggerated," RIA Novosti news agency quoted Mr Ivanov as saying.

Earlier, CNN said that a US National Security Council spokesman confirmed a report in the magazine American Aviation Week and Space Technology that China destroyed one of its old meteorological satellites on January 11 with a medium-range ballistic missile.

However, Japan, Australia and the United States have already expressed concern over the alleged weapons test and the theoretical possibility that China could shoot down satellites operated by other countries.

Beijing has yet to confirm the destruction of its satellite, but is likely to face stern criticism for an attempt to spread an arms race into space.

Ivanov also said Russia had always opposed the militarization of space and will continue to do so.

UNI