China's Expansive Space Ambitions Pose New Threats

China aims to dominate space and challenge international norms, placing US security interests at risk. Their quest for space superiority includes a planned moon base and advanced satellite systems, while their aggressive policies on Earth hint at future behavior in space.

China's ambitions for the 'grand rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,' as put forth by Chairman Xi Jinping, are vast, stretching from territorial dominance in the South China Sea and Taiwan to the icy expanse of Antarctica and even into outer space. A recent warning from the US Space Force highlighted the growing threat posed by China's and Russia's space endeavors.

Dr. Malcom Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute stated, 'China wants to dominate space and deny access to the US and its allies.' A report from the US Space Force indicated that China is developing space systems to enhance military effectiveness and reduce reliance on US assets. China's potential to trample international norms, as seen on Earth, raises concerns about its future actions in space.

Beijing's space agenda includes a permanent moon base, potentially disregarding the US-sponsored Artemis Accords. Their International Lunar Research Station, in collaboration with Russia, aims to establish a significant presence on the moon. This follows China's history of bypassing international agreements, as evidenced by their actions in Antarctica.

China's military operations have escalated in other regions as well. Incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone and Japanese airspace, and increased naval and aerial activities in the South China Sea and Western Pacific, underscore their aggressive stance. Beijing also declared space as a domain of warfare in 2015, amplifying its space program to support national defense and strategic interests.

As the second-largest operator of satellites after the US, China conducts frequent space missions, many for intelligence and surveillance purposes. They have developed counter-space capabilities, such as ASAT weapons and advanced satellites with potential military applications. Their actions, including the use of ground-based lasers and jammers, reflect a strategy to undermine US space operations.

Experts like Dr. David Stupples warn of China's readiness to engage in counter-space activities, potentially leading to severe international conflict. US Space Force assessments suggest that China is prepared to leverage its expanding space capabilities in future confrontations, positioning space as a contested warfighting domain.

(With inputs from agencies.)