US sees China's space threat growing at 'breathtaking pace'

WASHINGTON – China is growing its military capabilities in space at a "breathtaking pace" to counter the American satellites in orbit and improve its ability to monitor and target forces on Earth, according to the head of the US Space Command. America's top strategic challenger is seeking to develop advanced space weaponry and making advances in satellite meteorology, human spaceflight and robotic space exploration, General Stephen Whiting said on Feb 29 during a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Gen Whiting's warnings, delivered during a hearing on future military budgeting priorities, highlight Washington's focus on China as its biggest…