Alternatively, China may be determined to develop, test and deploy a full range of defensive measures, both active and passive, but is attempting to keep it secret for fear of antagonizing the United States. An 'active defense,' as some analysts in the United States have concluded, may be merely an offensive strategy in sheep’s clothing. This has been a suspicion regarding China's overall defense strategy, but it applies equally, if not more so, to the realm of space. A guardian or body-guard satellite, to take an example, would also have ASAT capabilities. Nevertheless, a dedicated yet secretive space weapons program, however defined, is unlikely as such an effort would be difficult, if not impossible, to keep concealed. More importantly, the political fallout for China if caught at this game makes this scenario highly implausible.

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Hagt, Eric. "Mutually Assured Vulnerabilities." China Security. Vol. 1, No. 2 (2006): 84-106. [ 6 quotes ] [ page 95 ]