Ambassador Robert T. Grey, Jr., United States Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, has made several statements to the CD to explain the U.S. position and deflect criticism by other states, particularly China, on the issue of preventing an arms race in outer space. In doing so, Ambassador Grey has made a number of important points. . . . Third, there is no arms race in outer space, no foreseeable prospect of an arms race in outer space, and no indication of significant ongoing development by any state with respect to arms in space. Fourth, allegations that actions or plans of the United States attest to a desire for hegemony, or any intent to carry out nuclear blackmail, or any supposed quest for absolute freedom to use force or threaten to use force in international relations have no basis in reality.

"Indeed, in today's world 'hegemony' is unattainable in any case. The world is too diverse, too complex, too open to new ideas for hegemony. The era of empire is over, as is the era of one-party States. Information and ideas cannot be controlled by any Party or by any government. People of all backgrounds have the opportunity, the capability, and the right to make up their own minds. Rote repetition of slogans and cliches that distort reality cannot change this essential fact."

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Billick, Thomas W. Arms Control Implications for Military Operations in Space. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, May 2001. [ 6 quotes ] [ page 52 ]