UK ALSO KEEN FOR ANSWERS ON CHINESE ASAT TEST

SECRET S E C R E T LONDON 000075 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/08/2018 TAGS: PREL, PARM, MNUC, MARR, CH, UK SUBJECT: UK ALSO KEEN FOR ANSWERS ON CHINESE ASAT TEST REF: STATE 1265 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Richard LeBaron, reasons 1.4, b/d. (S) HMG shares U.S. concerns about the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test as well as Beijing's lack of explanation about the test and its ASAT policy in general, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Director for Defense and Strategic Threats Simon Manley assured Charge January 8. In delivering reftel demarche, Charge urged HMG to support U.S. efforts to obtain some explanation from Beijing. Manley committed to echoing U.S. concerns to the PRC at the first opportunity and noted that the U.S. and UK embassies in Beijing should stay in touch in order to develop the strongest possible counterarguments to the Chinese responses. Manley also suggested the Russians be approached for support. Given Moscow's collusion with the Chinese on the Prevention of Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) issues, the Russians might be persuaded that Chinese activities further alienate already skeptical countries, such as the United States. Visit London's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm LeBaron