June 8, 2023
2 mins read

China’s shift to civilian space program raises suspicion

China’s space capabilities, such as satellite technology, can have both civilian and military applications, leading to concerns about the military applications of their space programme…reports Asian Lite News

China recently announced that it would send its first civilian astronaut into space, InsideOver reported, adding that the country’s shift from military to civilian space programme is being seen with a lot of suspicion by the global community.

InsideOver is a news website focusing on world affairs. According to InsideOver, experts do not rule out the possibility of intimate ties between the space program and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), saying that the dual-use nature of space technologies and the military’s involvement in some aspects of the space program was a matter of global concern.

The dual use technology refers to technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. China’s space capabilities, such as satellite technology, can have both civilian and military applications, leading to concerns about the military applications of their space programme.

There are concerns about China’s space programme contributing to the militarisation of space. The country has been developing technologies and capabilities that can be used for space-based surveillance, intelligence gathering, and potentially offensive operations.

This led to worries about an arms race in space and the destabilizing effects it could have on international relations.

China has proved its anti-satellite (ASAT) capabilities in the past. In 2007, China conducted a test in which it destroyed one of its own satellites with a missile, creating a large amount of space debris, according to InsideOver.

The country in 2019, destroyed its own defunct satellites. In April 2021, China launched into orbit the first piece of a permanent space station using its most powerful rocket. Remnants from the rocket finally fell into the Indian Ocean after a 10-day descent.

Such actions have raised concerns about the potential militarisation of space and the risk it poses to other countries’ satellites.

Further, according to InsideOver, the country’s space programme lacks transparency, making it difficult to assess its true intentions and capabilities. China has been less open compared to other space-faring nations in sharing information about its space program, leading to suspicions and concerns from the international community. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Blinken planning China visit

Previous Story

Nepal PM: India visit elevated bilateral ties

Next Story

China’s dominance evident in Myanmar peace talks

Latest from -Top News

Top Indian Officials Head to Washington

The visit, likely next week, follows US President Trump’s claims that his administration helped broker the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire….reports Asian Lite News Top sources revealed on Sunday that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri

India, Canada Discuss Enhancing Diplomatic Relations

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deepening economic cooperation with India….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his first phone call with Canadian counterpart Anita Anand,

Ramaphosa gains from US showdown

South African President’s conduct with Trump reminded South Africans of his diplomatic pedigree, and of his importance to the country’s rules-based order South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation went to
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Chinese migration to Canada grows as discontent grows

Canada’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship received 9,925 applications from

Taiwan tracks Chinese fighter jets, naval ships around nation

China has gradually increased the number of military planes and