Geo-Political Considerations to China's Rise in Space Power

Abstract

Abstract : China`s military space threat to the US hegemon status is real and growing. Evidence of China`s recent rise in space military capability is evident through their recent anti-satellite (ASAT) demonstrations, robust R&D programs, and national motives to become a regional power. China understands the geo-political importance of using military space as an avenue for regional and worldwide recognition and is posturing itself with a historically-proven military 'active defense' culture within their military space programs. The US response to China`s emerging threat is slow and under-prioritized. This lack of a response is apparent with a current unbalanced national strategy for China and sub-standard funding levels for significant national and DoD military space acquisition programs. Competing national security priorities such as the GWOT are crippling the ability for the US to provide the best response to overmatch China`s rise in military space power. Through the use of open source information, this research follows a problem/solution methodology to address the above problems in reacting to China`s rise in military space. The solution to this problem recommends five building-blocks or steps that if adopted, can enable new US leadership to better posture its national strategy, funding priorities, and its guidance to Geographical Combatant Commander`s (GCCs) to adequately address China`s military space capability. For instance, one recommendation is to implement a stronger military Instrument of Power (IOP) to complement the US`s existing diplomatic and economic emphasis with China. To achieve a solution, the US must find a way to encourage China to be more transparent with its military space intentions.