Middle East Media: China Joins the Space Race
As countries around the world increasingly rely on satellites for communication, navigation, intelligence, and management of military operations, outer space is undergoing rapid changes, evolving from a technologically advanced field into an independent battlefield, with low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit, and high Earth orbit becoming part of a "global military deterrence architecture."
China is adopting an active and integrated space system, utilizing high-precision satellite constellations, artificial intelligence networks capable of analyzing orbital movements within seconds, and near-silent orbital approach technologies, demonstrating its ability to disable any satellite without firing a single bullet.
A report released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies in April 2025 noted that China is implementing a "silent space" strategy, developing ground-based laser platforms capable of creating interference to confuse Western satellites, and possessing satellites equipped with robotic arms that can maneuver or rotate other satellites. The report also observed China's effective orbital approach maneuvers against European satellites.
At the same time, a report from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) suggests that China is using European orbital positions through the Brussels gateway to test Washington's reaction.
The institute pointed out that after strengthening its Beidou satellite navigation system, which is completely independent of other navigation services and has global coverage, China is seeking to remove GPS and Galileo systems from international systems.
It has successfully convinced many Asian and African countries to use it, enabling them to independently control navigation and timing services.
Meanwhile, China is striving to strengthen its space partnerships with Asian and African countries, enhancing its geopolitical depth in this field. Just a few years ago, space was not considered a tool of influence.
Source: Al Jazeera
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849641432224780/
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