General Stephen Whiting, head of the US Space Command, has recently sounded the alarm over China's rapid advancement in space technology, emphasizing the potential threats posed to American interests both on Earth and in orbit.
Speaking before the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Whiting highlighted China's "breathtaking" progress in military space and counter-space capabilities, aimed at denying the US and its allies access to space assets when necessary.
US General Stephen Whiting warns of China's space advances, urging upgrades to safeguard American interests, as China dismisses concerns and emphasizes peaceful cooperation.
China's Rapid Space Tech Development
China's ambitious plans for 2024 include 100 rocket launches to deploy 300 spacecraft into orbit, a testament to its growing space capabilities. Additionally, Whiting projected that by 2030, China would attain world-class status in most space technology areas, indicating its determination to emerge as a global military power, challenging US dominance in space.
While Whiting's warnings underscore the urgency for the US to address China's space advancements, China's defense ministry has dismissed these concerns as excuses for US military expansion. South China Morning Post reports that Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang urged the US to abandon its "cold-war zero-sum mentality" and instead advocate for peaceful cooperation in space.
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US General Urges Upgrading Space Capabilities
The United States, heavily reliant on space assets for intelligence gathering, early warnings, and communications, faces growing vulnerabilities due to China's advancements. General Whiting emphasized the urgent need for new space capabilities and capacity to maintain a competitive advantage and safeguard American interests.
Meanwhile, China's rapid progress extends beyond space technology. General Anthony Cotton, head of US Strategic Command, noted China's strides in developing a nuclear triad, including a stealth bomber. By 2035, China's nuclear arsenal could reach 1,500 warheads, a significant increase from the current 500, posing further challenges to US security.
In response to China's actions, the US Space Force plans to deepen cooperation with allies like Japan, dispatching personnel to enhance operational coordination in space. This move aims to deter potential threats from China and bolster regional security, strengthening alliances in the face of growing challenges.
Despite efforts to establish norms of responsible behavior in space, challenges persist due to the lack of universal rules governing space operations. In November 2023, General Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations for the US Space Force, highlighted China's experimentation with satellite-grabbing robotic arms, raising concerns about the militarization of space activities and the potential for escalation.
Efforts to establish norms of responsible behavior in space are underway. The US, through Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's guidelines, aims to lead discussions on acceptable conduct in space. However, reaching a consensus remains challenging, particularly regarding the definition of offensive capabilities and enforcing international norms.
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