China has a long-standing capacity to track objects in space. It is based on a number of ground stations (including two located outside of china) and four satellite tracking ships. The ability to track object in space is critical for space operations. China would need this capability in order to carry out manned missions as well as for orbiting satellites. However, it is also critical for anti-satellite operations, whether ground-based or for inorbit attacks. Locating U.S. satellites is a necessary precursor to the successful conduct of anti-satellite operations. This combination of tracking capability and a range of experimental anti-satellite programs suggest that anti-satellite efforts could be the greater source of risk for the U.S. This concern needs to be tempered by the lack of actual ASAT tests by the Chinese. An operational ASAT program would test its weapons (as the U.S. and the Soviets did in the past) against space targets. Although there have been terrestrial tests ground of lasers that may have been for anti-satellite purposes, the Chinese have not conducted tests against targets in space.

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Lewis, James A. "China as a Military Space Competitor." Perspectives on Space Security. Ed. Audrey M. Schaffer. Washington, D.C.: Space Policy Institute, December 2005. [ 8 quotes ] [ page 106-7 ]