China's military space program not focusing on systems it needs for an asymmetic advantage
If the goal is to gain asymmetric advantage, China should invest primarily in those systems that pose a greater risk to the US or offer greater potential for asymmetric advantage. These include satellite reconnaissance, SIGINT, ASAT and microsatellites. Satellite navigation and communications increase the capabilities of Chinese forces; satellite reconnaissance and anti-satellite programs degrade the capabilities of U.S. forces. China over-invests in navigation and communications satellites. These programs pose less of a challenge to the U.S. and will create less of an advantage for Chinese forces than satellite reconnaissance and anti-satellite capabilities.
Lewis, James A. "China as a Military Space Competitor." Perspectives on Space Security. Ed. Audrey M. Schaffer. Washington, D.C.: Space Policy Institute, December 2005. [ 8 quotes ]
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