China’s Space Programme: Political and Military Significance
China’s Space Programme: Political and Military Significance

Author(s): Marcin Przychodniak
Subject(s): Governance, International relations/trade, Military policy
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: People’s Republic of China; space programme; development of armed forces; armed forces’ operational capabilities in space; militarisation of space;
Summary/Abstract: China’s space programme serves the purpose of developing the economy, for example, new communications technologies. Space is also an area of strategic importance for the country. The Chinese authorities seek to extend the armed forces’ operational capabilities in space and simultaneously exploit politically the militarisation of space. Under its programme, China wants to cooperate with partners to benefit from their experience or co-finance the projects. This cooperation can be beneficial for the EU, including Poland, because it enhances the effectiveness of their space programmes, but additional pressure on transparency of the Chinese actions is needed, such as its plans for militarisation of space.

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