In a recent development, Gen. Chance Saltzman, the chief of the U.S. Space Force, has issued a stark warning about China's rapid advancement in space capabilities.
Saltzman expressed concern over the pace at which China is integrating military capabilities into space, describing it as "mind-boggling." His comments underscore the growing apprehension over China's intentions to militarize space.
According to Gateway Pundit, Saltzman highlighted the dual-use nature of space capabilities, which can serve both civil and military purposes. "The volume of threats, the diversity of threats that [China] is presenting is a particular challenge," the general told Politico in an October interview. This dual-use nature of space technology is evident in everyday devices such as smartphones, which rely on precision timing provided by space-based satellites. However, the same technology is also crucial for military applications, including tactical precision bombs, long-range precision strike missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles.
In 2015, China consolidated its space activities under a unified command known as the Strategic Support Force. This entity oversaw a wide range of operations, including space, cyber, electronic warfare, and psychological operations. However, due to perceived inefficiencies, this command-and-control arrangement was dismantled in early 2024.
The restructuring led to the creation of four new forces: the Aerospace Force, the Cyberspace Force, the Information Support Force, and the Joint Logistics Support Force. Although these new "forces" hold a lesser stature than the four Services of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Rocket Force, they report directly to the Central Military Commission, China's equivalent of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Outer Space Treaty, a critical international agreement, stipulates the peaceful, non-militarized, non-nationalized status of the moon. The treaty asserts, "The Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes." This language clearly prohibits any military-related activities on the moon.
However, Bill Nelson, the outgoing administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and a former astronaut, has voiced concerns about China's lunar ambitions. In an interview with Politico, Nelson cautioned, "We better watch out," referring to China's plans for a crewed landing on the moon by 2030 and its goal of establishing a permanent presence there.
These developments underscore the need for vigilance and strategic planning in the face of China's rapid space capabilities buildup. The dual-use nature of space technology, coupled with China's ambitious plans, presents a complex challenge that requires a robust and thoughtful response. As China continues to advance its space capabilities, the U.S. and its allies must remain alert to the potential threats and work to ensure the peaceful use of outer space.
Login