China hit more than a weather satellite on Jan. 11 when it launched a medium-range ballistic missile into space; it also hit alarms in Washington and elsewhere. Recent media reports highlighting China’s growing influence and successful use of “soft power” failed to anticipate this abrupt assertion of “hard power.” The missile launch created the largest space debris incident in history and gave new meaning to the phrase “peaceful rise.” More importantly, Beijing disturbed the strategic planning circles of its neighbors.