Several factors will complicate a US defense policy of dissuasion that aims to reduce the threat of space systems. First, China's space program already has operational systems providing a wide range of military and commercial capabilities. China's space capabilities give it more than just a foot-in-the-door. In fact, China is already reaping the numerous benefits afforded by the highest frontier. In addition, even though China's space programs are relatively immature when compared to the United States, the learning curve for improving upon these technologies is steep. Finally, it is one thing to dissuade someone from doing something they cannot already do and hence cannot appreciate its advantages; it is an entirely different thing to dissuade someone from doing something they already do, especially when it has clear benefits.

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Meteyer, David O. The Art of Peace: Dissuading China from Developing Counter-Space Weapons. USAF Academy, CO: USAF Institute for National Security Studies, August 2005. [ 20 quotes ]