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Thompson, David J. China in Space: Civillian and Military Developments. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, August 2001. [ 4 quotes ]

Evidence Related to this Citation

China Researching Several Different Anti-Satellite Technologies
 
Although not verified through other sources, the Hong Kong Sing Tao Daily newspaper quoted unnamed Chinese resources in reporting that China is developing a space-based anti-satellite system. According to the report, the concept is to deploy very small "parasitic" satellites called nano-satellites that would attach themselves to satellites and re-main inactive during normal times. Upon activation, these parasitic satellites would destroy the satellite or disrupt its operations. ( More ... )
Thompson, David J. China in Space: Civillian and Military Developments. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, August 2001. [ 4 quotes ] [ page 24 ]
China is Working on Lasers to Blind and Disable Satellites
 
China is suspected of developing ground-based laser weapons and electronic pulse weapons that could blind or destroy satellites. A weapon does not need to destroy a satellite to render it useless, just damage the susceptible optical sensors. The closer Sino-Russian relationship also is contributing to China's advancement, as Russia turns the former Soviet Union's tremendous Cold War research and development budgets and technological advancements into economic gains. ( More ... )
Thompson, David J. China in Space: Civillian and Military Developments. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, August 2001. [ 4 quotes ] [ page 12 ]
China Could Provide Space Services to Adversaries of U.S.
 
However, without global land, sea, or air capabilities, the military impact of
China's space programs is likely to be limited to defense of China's
homeland and support of regional activities undoubtedly pointed at
Taiwan, the Spratly Islands, Tibet, and other areas of similar
proximity and sensitivity to China. In a conflict, China also could
assist nations allied against the US by providing launch support, ASAT
activities, ISR data, and similar services. ( More ... )
Thompson, David J. China in Space: Civillian and Military Developments. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, August 2001. [ 4 quotes ] [ page 26 ]
China Views Space Power as Key to Counter U.S. Strength
 
For example, in 2000 the PRC Defense Minister said that space-power is
viewed as the key to China's planning to supplant the United States.
PLA doctrine would deny the advantages of space to the US, seeking to
leverage space for China's own advantage. This is in direct
confrontation with the recently released Rumsfeld Commission report
characterizing space as a "vital national interest" for the United
States. ( More ... )
Thompson, David J. China in Space: Civillian and Military Developments. Maxwell AFB, AL: USAF Air University, August 2001. [ 4 quotes ] [ page 10 ]