China in World Politics

Today , relations between the Western world and China are ambiguous , as for some countries China represents the upcoming military danger , and for others it symbolizes an advantageous economic partner . But for the United States China to a certain degree remains a potential enemy , even if only over the Taiwan problem . Also , there is another aspect of China`s development that warrants a serious consideration . This aspect relates to Chinese progress in space exploration , which attracted a world-wide attention after China`s manned space mission , with China becoming the third space-faring nation after the United

States and Russia in terms of manned space flight . Even though Chinese space technology is not yet very sophisticated , China stands out from other developing nations because it covers the full spectrum of space capabilities , from satellite construction to launch services . Chinese space program is also marked by the interflow of technology and staff between the civilian and military spheres of application . Thus , for the United States Beijing presents a serious security threat because of the possibility that China 's scientific and commercial space programs will significantly bolster Chinese military capabilities . It is even speculated that China may attempt to mitigate the American military power by destroying its space infrastructure . At some point Chinese strategists for this purpose may study jamming , anti-satellite weapons or even usage of effects of nuclear weapons to knock satellites out While Chinese anti-satellite capabilities are currently quite speculative , what is clear is that space prowess of China will grow in the near future , and it will inevitably improve military power of Chinese People 's Liberation Army (PLA . The ability of Washington to limit access to satellite navigation or commercial satellite imagery which would be needed for China during a crisis , is a key driving force behind China`s attempts to develop its own space technology

Thus , military usage of space and the perspective ability to target American space infrastructure have naturally confronted China with the U .S . doctrine that accentuates the protection of the U .S . space assets and denial of the ability of adversaries to use space . Therefore whether a space race between the United States and China can be prevented will hinge upon the strategies chosen by both parties and the placement of priority , or lack of it , on either scientific and commercial , or on military space usage . Another unclear issue is if the United States can withhold potential enemies from space utilization for military activities , and at the same time not make its own space infrastructure more exposed . For this purpose a range of legal diplomatic , economic and military steps to restrict an enemy`s access to space are available to the United States . Still , China for sure in any case will be able to employ its proprietary achievements and available foreign technologies to increase its space capabilities . Moreover , even if non-military ways of dealing with Chinese space activities will restrict Chinese access to some advanced technologies , they will not completely avert the PLA from utilizing space . And in spite of U...