China space capabilities

China’s space strategy is shaped by military ambitions, aspirations for technological dominance, and ubiquitous commercial considerations.

This cutting-edge satellite showcases Hong Kong’s growing role in China’s space ambitions and highlights the city's strategic importance in technological development. 

As China has increased its political and economic cooperation with Latin America, it has also expanded its space engagement with the region.

Having inexpensive and reusable space access – China’s goal in developing the Shenlong spaceplane – carries major national security implications.

From heavy-lift reusable rockets to satellite internet, a look at China’s progress on top space priorities.

China’s plan for a super heavy, reusable rocket has gotten far less attention than SpaceX’s Starship, but will be equally important over the long run. 

Insights from Carla Freeman.

Space, AI, and quantum computing and communication are China’s top technology priorities. How advanced are its capabilities in each? 

China’s top leadership changes reflect the prioritization of space, science, and technology.

China's non-kinetic physical anti-satellite weapons, including DEWs, will play a critical part in future warfare.

The high-tech mega-project is still in an early stage, but will have both economic and military implications.

While China’s white paper on space is a good transparency move, the goals enshrined in the document may also make space more competitive.

With three astronauts set to spend six months on China’s space station, this is China’s most ambitious human space mission to date.

Developing individual space capabilities is expensive but critical for countries like Australia.

Insights from Victoria Samson.

With the Shenzhou-12 launch and arrival of astronauts to the Tianhe core module, Beijing’s space ambitions are on target.

The mission is the third of 11 planned through next year to add the additional sections to the station and send up crews and supplies.

Insights from Lincoln Hines.

Unlike the U.S. Space Force, China’s PLASSF is not an independent service.

In some ways, China’s space doctrine has grown similar to that of the United States.

A significant technological feat for China, Beijing’s accomplishment is also a reminder of the revved-up space competition among the major space powers. 

The United States is the only other country to have successfully landed and operated a spacecraft on Mars.

The launch of the first piece of China's space station is a big step toward achieving a long-standing goal.

Progress will probably require developing small, technical agreements given that big, all-encompassing agreements have proven too difficult under current international circumstances.