The 2024 report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China (PRC) sheds light on China’s growing military and security ambitions, particularly in space. With the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at the forefront of its modernization efforts, the PRC is strategically enhancing its space-based capabilities to achieve its long-term national rejuvenation goals by 2049. This analysis explores the various dimensions of China’s space strategy, the operational progress of its space-related military assets, and the global implications of its activities.
China’s Space Strategy
Integration of Space into National Power
China views space as a critical domain in its pursuit of “Comprehensive National Power” (CNP), which encompasses economic, technological, and military dimensions. Recognizing the transformative potential of space-based technologies, the PRC has integrated space into its broader strategy of national rejuvenation. The government sees dominance in space as essential not only for its defense but also for its economic and geopolitical aspirations. By advancing its space capabilities, China aims to secure its position as a global leader in technological innovation and international influence.
The PRC’s leadership has consistently framed space exploration and militarization as essential for achieving self-reliance and strategic autonomy. President Xi Jinping has called for the PLA and the broader Chinese society to leverage technological advancements in space as a competitive advantage. These efforts reflect China’s determination to surpass traditional space powers, such as the United States and Russia, and to establish itself as a dominant player in the rapidly evolving domain of space.
Space as a Core Interest
China has explicitly designated space as one of its “core interests,” placing it on par with sovereignty and territorial integrity. The PRC’s official stance emphasizes that space is integral to its national security and economic development. This prioritization underscores the strategic importance of space-based systems for both civilian and military applications, ranging from satellite navigation and weather forecasting to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
By framing space as a core interest, the PRC has signaled its readiness to defend its assets and ambitions in space, even through aggressive measures if necessary. This approach aligns with China’s broader strategy of leveraging advanced technologies to secure dominance in critical domains, such as cyberspace and artificial intelligence, alongside space.
Key Developments in China’s Space Capabilities
People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (SSF)
The Strategic Support Force (SSF) serves as the backbone of China’s military space operations. Established in 2015, the SSF consolidates the PLA’s capabilities in space, cyberspace, and electronic warfare, reflecting a holistic approach to modern warfare. In 2024, the SSF underwent significant restructuring, with its Aerospace and Cyberspace Forces placed directly under the Central Military Commission (CMC). This reorganization enhances the PLA’s ability to integrate space-based operations with broader military strategies.
The SSF oversees a range of critical functions, including satellite launches, space surveillance, and the development of counterspace technologies. Its role in managing China’s growing network of satellites and space assets is central to the PLA’s efforts to achieve information dominance and enhance operational efficiency. By prioritizing investments in the SSF, China is laying the groundwork for sustained leadership in space-enabled warfare.
Space-Based Military Assets
China’s satellite constellation has grown rapidly, with significant advancements in ISR, communication, and navigation capabilities. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), China’s answer to the U.S.-operated Global Positioning System (GPS), has become fully operational and provides global coverage. BDS not only supports civilian applications but also enhances the PLA’s ability to conduct precision strikes, coordinate troop movements, and maintain situational awareness.
In addition to BeiDou, China operates a diverse array of satellites for Earth observation, signal intelligence, and military communication. These assets enable the PLA to monitor potential adversaries, track naval and air activities, and ensure secure communication channels during military operations. China’s investment in satellite redundancy and resilience further underscores its commitment to maintaining operational capabilities in the face of potential disruptions.
Counterspace Capabilities
The PRC has made significant progress in developing counterspace technologies to challenge adversaries’ reliance on space-based systems. These capabilities include anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, electronic jamming systems, and cyber tools designed to target satellite networks. Notably, China conducted a high-profile ASAT test in 2007, demonstrating its ability to destroy satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Since then, it has continued to refine its counterspace arsenal, with an emphasis on more precise and less destructive methods, such as co-orbital attacks and directed-energy weapons.
China’s counterspace capabilities also extend to the deployment of ground-based systems for space situational awareness. These systems enable the PLA to monitor the activities of foreign satellites and prepare for potential conflicts in space. By investing in both offensive and defensive counterspace technologies, China aims to deter adversaries and safeguard its own assets in the increasingly contested space domain.
Advancements Toward Intelligentized Warfare
The PLA’s concept of “intelligentized warfare” highlights the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and big data analytics into military operations. In the context of space, these technologies are being used to optimize satellite networks, improve ISR capabilities, and enhance decision-making processes. For example, AI-driven algorithms can analyze vast amounts of satellite imagery to detect patterns and anomalies, providing real-time intelligence to military commanders.
Quantum technologies, another focus area, have the potential to revolutionize secure communication and satellite navigation. China has already demonstrated its leadership in quantum communication through the Micius satellite, which enables ultra-secure data transmission. These advancements reflect the PRC’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to gain a strategic edge in space operations.
Global Implications of China’s Space Ambitions
Power Projection and Deterrence
China’s expanding space capabilities enhance its ability to project power beyond its immediate periphery. By leveraging its satellite networks, the PLA can extend its operational reach and maintain a persistent presence in regions of strategic interest, such as the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic. These capabilities also contribute to China’s deterrence posture, as they enable precise targeting and rapid response in potential conflicts.
The development of hypersonic missile systems, coupled with space-based ISR assets, further amplifies China’s power projection capabilities. Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), which can maneuver unpredictably and evade traditional missile defenses, are likely to be integrated with space-enabled targeting systems for maximum effectiveness.
Space Diplomacy and Alliances
China’s space program is a key instrument of its soft power and diplomatic outreach. Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Space Information Corridor, China provides satellite-based services to partner nations, fostering economic dependencies and strategic alignments. These services include disaster management, agricultural monitoring, and infrastructure planning, which are particularly appealing to developing countries.
China has also sought to strengthen its partnerships with emerging space powers, such as Brazil, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Collaborative projects, such as joint satellite missions and space exploration initiatives, enhance China’s influence and promote its vision of a multipolar space order.
Challenges to the U.S. and Allied Interests
China’s advancements in space pose significant challenges to the strategic interests of the United States and its allies. The PRC’s counterspace capabilities threaten the reliability of space-based systems that are critical for military and economic activities. Moreover, China’s efforts to establish alternative space governance structures could undermine existing norms and create divisions in the international community.
To address these challenges, the U.S. and its allies must invest in resilient space architectures, enhance international collaboration, and develop strategies to counter China’s growing influence in space. Strengthening alliances, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and NATO’s space initiatives, will be essential for maintaining a stable and secure space environment.
Broader Implications for the Space Domain
China’s ambitions in space are reshaping the global space landscape. Its focus on self-reliance, technological innovation, and strategic dominance reflects a long-term vision that extends beyond traditional military applications. As space becomes a central arena for competition among major powers, China’s actions will have far-reaching implications for global security, governance, and economic development.
By prioritizing space as a domain of strategic importance, China is setting the stage for a new era of space exploration and militarization. Its advancements underscore the need for international cooperation and robust governance frameworks to ensure that space remains a domain of peaceful exploration and shared progress.
Summary
China’s military modernization, particularly in space, is a cornerstone of its broader strategy to achieve global leadership by 2049. Through investments in advanced space technologies, the PRC aims to enhance its comprehensive national power, project influence, and counter external threats. As space becomes an increasingly contested domain, China’s activities highlight the importance of resilience, collaboration, and innovation in safeguarding global security interests.
