America is being accused of hypocrisy, for criticising other countries' space ambitions, while using a missile to destroy a satellite. The attacks came in a leading Chinese newspaper, after the US military fired a missile to knock out a dead spy satellite in space.

The operation was planned because of American fears that the satellite's toxic fuel could be dangerous if the unguided satellite crashed in a populated area.

It was launched 15 months ago, but lost power after entering orbit. It was built for the National Reconnaissance Office, a US intelligence agency.

The decision to shoot it down was criticised by both Russia and China, who accused Washington of testing its missile defence shield in space.

"China is closely watching the American actions, which could affect the security of space, and may harm other nations," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao.

China has joined the space race, successfully launching manned rockets, and using a land-based missile to shoot down an old weather satellite last year. The United States has expressed its concern that Beijing can now target objects in space.