China's Cosmic Defense: Battling Espionage Amidst Lunar Ambitions

China's state security ministry warns of foreign espionage threats targeting its space program amidst escalating global space competition. Highlighting space as a new military frontier, China is advancing its lunar missions, including astronaut landings and building a lunar station by 2035. Safeguarding these initiatives is deemed crucial for national development.

China's state security ministry has raised alarm over foreign espionage activities targeting its burgeoning space program, underscoring a mounting space race as a new frontier for military power. According to a recent statement on the ministry's official WeChat account, safeguarding space security has emerged as a critical component for China's survival and strategic growth.

The ministry noted that numerous Western countries have developed space combat capabilities and perceive China as a key competitor in this domain. High-precision satellites used for remote sensing are reportedly being employed by foreign intelligence agencies to spy on China's aerospace activities, though specific nations were not named.

The strategic importance of space assets has become evident in modern conflicts, as illustrated by Russia's recent advancements in satellite technology. With China planning expansive lunar missions, including a manned moon landing by 2030, it is crucial to protect these endeavors as space exploration faces increasing challenges, such as resource scarcity and orbital debris risks.

(With inputs from agencies.)