According to NASA chief Bill Nelson on April 17, he cautioned that China’s “so-called civilian space program is a military program,” highlighting the space “race” between the United States and China. Despite NASA’s concerns, China has made rapid advancements in the space sector with the goal of acquiring dual-use technology for military purposes and strengthening its national defense science and technology industries.
China is actively pursuing space superiority by acquiring and developing counter-space capabilities and technologies. The U.S. Department of Defense’s 2023 report on China’s military outlined the PLA’s focus on space superiority, enhancing space capabilities, and acquiring counterspace technologies. China’s military-civil fusion strategy leverages civilian technologies for military purposes, raising suspicions among global observers.
The conflict in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of space in military operations. Russia and China have collaborated on satellite technology, with a focus on enhancing military performance. China is also bolstering its space-based radar and surveillance capabilities, including the development of satellites for monitoring and reconnaissance.
China has developed anti-satellite capabilities, including ASAT missile tests, raising concerns globally. The United States has refrained from conducting destructive ASAT missile tests and aims to establish responsible space conduct standards. India has also conducted ASAT missile tests in response to China’s advancements in space capabilities.
To close the gap with China in the space domain, India must enhance its space sector by increasing its budget, expediting military satellite development, supporting the private space industry, and collaborating with other nations for space situational awareness in the Indo-Pacific region.