In the realm of space militarization, Chinese public statements may not explicitly outline military objectives as directly as those of the United States. Beijing’s 2022 white paper on its space program highlights the country’s commitment to peaceful pursuits in space. However, research papers authored by scientists affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reveal a significant focus on developing technologies essential for potential military operations in space. Additionally, PLA textbooks delve into intricate strategies detailing how China could engage in orbital warfare.
The foundation of concerns surrounding the weaponization of space dates back to the emergence of intercontinental ballistic missiles in the 1950s, which traverse through space en route to their intended targets. As early as 1996, General Joseph Ashy, the former commander-in-chief of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Air Force Space Command, acknowledged the inevitability of space warfare, stating, “It’s politically sensitive, but it’s going to happen… we’re going to fight in space.”
Presently, both the US and China are actively preparing for a potential conflict in space, driven by the shared apprehension that a single strike in space could sever the vital communication links that underpin their economies and military operations. Satellites play a critical role in relaying signals essential for communications, power distribution, navigation systems, and financial markets. Moreover, modern military operations heavily rely on space-based assets for command and control, communication, and precision missile targeting.
The Joint All-Domain Command and Control concept adopted by the US aims to integrate data from diverse sensors across military branches into a unified network, with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites serving as pivotal components. However, this interconnectedness also heightens the vulnerability to targeted attacks that could incapacitate the surveillance and command systems. Howard Wang, a researcher at the Rand Corporation, highlights that the core tenet of the PLA’s strategy is to disrupt key nodes within an adversary’s network to disrupt decision-making processes across the chain.
China’s endeavors to bolster its military capabilities in space stem from a perceived threat posed by the US’s technological edge in this domain. The country’s space program serves as a countermeasure to mitigate the perceived military advantage held by the US, akin to its efforts to modernize its nuclear arsenal in response to concerns over potential neutralization by US missile defense systems.
Despite China’s disavowal of engaging in a space race or seeking space superiority, its actions speak volumes. Recent demonstrations of China’s space capabilities, such as the successful maneuver to tow a defunct Beidou navigation satellite into graveyard orbit using the Shijian-21 satellite, have raised alarms among US military officials. Furthermore, the close-range maneuvers executed by five Chinese experimental satellites in 2024, akin to dogfighting in space, and the rendezvous operation conducted by two Chinese satellites in geostationary orbit indicate China’s advancements in developing potential space-based counterspace weapons.
In light of these developments, it is evident that China’s space program is not merely focused on peaceful pursuits but also encompasses efforts to enhance its military capabilities in space. The global strategic landscape is evolving, with space emerging as a contested domain where nations vie for dominance and security. As China continues to expand its space capabilities, the international community must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the responsible and peaceful use of outer space.
