U.S. Media Amplify 'Threat Narrative' Claiming 'China Has Entered a New Space Age'
Forbes (Japanese edition), in an article published on November 3, cited a report from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) titled "Space Security Challenges," summarizing the agency’s latest findings and assessments regarding space activities involving the United States and its allies. The report also includes information on aerospace technologies developed by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
The DIA noted that China continues to advance its research into advanced space systems. Anti-satellite weapons, which could disable an adversary’s space infrastructure during wartime, are increasingly being deployed into orbit.
Beyond orbital weapon systems capable of targeting satellites, kinetic space-based weapons have been tested since 2006, designed to attack ground, maritime, and aerial targets from space. Progress has also been made in aerospace engineering supporting these technological developments.
The DIA stated: "China is developing space-based technologies, including orbital anti-space weapons capable of threatening space systems."
One example is the SJ-17 satellite. According to the report, this satellite is equipped with a robotic arm intended for "capturing other satellites."
Anti-satellite capabilities extend beyond rockets or missiles. They now include satellites capable of attacking other spacecraft through various methods—such as electronic jamming, laser strikes, chemical dispersal, high-power microwave emissions, robotic maneuvering, and kinetic impact weapons.
The report also highlights China’s space-related infrastructure in Antarctica. China currently operates five research stations on the continent, among which the Great Wall and Zhongshan stations serve as hubs for processing signals from aircraft, ships, and vehicles operating in the region. The assessment concludes that China’s sustained investment in Antarctic facilities reflects its strategic intent to become a polar power.
Many of China’s space systems and ground facilities are dual-use, with unclear military-civilian categorization.
In 2023, the TJS-3 communications technology test satellite repeatedly approached other nations’ orbital assets within a distance of just 10 kilometers.
As of 2025, China has completed 93 space launches—a significant increase from 22 launches in 2016, after which the number of orbital systems has grown more than threefold.
A key point emphasized in the report is that such technologies are no longer exclusively accessible to major powers. With improving cost-effectiveness of satellite technology, non-state actors may gain dangerous capabilities in space.
The DIA cautioned: "As space commercialization advances, space services traditionally centered on government use are becoming accessible to those with capital and interest. There remains no assurance against malicious non-state actors."
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880791078012928/
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