What? Meh. Why? That matters.
We've had various articles here for more than a decade about the slow, but inexorable militarization of space. I've often argued that commercialization requires militarization, but I don't believe that this is about that.
Professor Bowen seems a quite coy about the "why", which is his right, but even a cursory glance at the geopolitical situation gives us a good hint.
First, recall that to date, the US, China, Great Britain, Japan, India, France, and Russia have demonstrated kinetic surface-based ASAT capabilities. Only a fool would think that Israel or South Korea lacks the capability, or, indeed, that anyone in the G20 (or so) could not deploy such a system in a few months at most.
Second, we've had clear indications that China and Russia have deployed offensive ASAT in space, as the professor indicated.
This announcement by the US is, almost by definition, a political move. Most importantly, it surprises exactly NO ONE that's been paying any attention, and that especially includes the Chinese regime.
I believe it has been reported here, but in recent years, China has conducted/is conducting a campaign of exhaustion against Taiwan, especially its air force. I have argued that China first target in a Taiwan invasion is likely to be US satellites. The US policy has been generally to attempt to limit Chinese adventurism, especially under Republican presidents. I believe that this announcement is intended to cause China to tap the brakes. The fact that they immediately responded the way that the did feels like confirmation.
