China's Space Programs

Chinas position in the world has been evolving. It seeks increased influence and independence from foreign powers with the ultimate goal of preserving Chinas sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and political system. Over the long term, China seeks to transform the international system to better suit its interests, but seeks to integrate itself into the existing international system over the short term with the goal of reshaping the Asia-Pacific political environment into one in which its interests must be given greater attention. Chinas pursuit of space power is intended to support this strategy. China views the development of space power as a necessary move for a country that wants to strengthen its national power. Indeed, Chinas goal is to become a space power on par with the United States and to foster a space industry that is the equal of those in the United States, Europe, and Russia. This book begins with an elaborate discussion on China's progress in space technologies and examines the implications it has on the United States. Furthermore, this title reviews the evolution of Chinas military thinking and the changed role of space within that context. It briefly examines Chinas space capabilities and development before discussing its concepts for military space operations and concludes with future Chinese space operations.