China and Strategic Instability in Space

In recent years, U.S.-China competition has intensified in outer space. U.S.-China competition above the Earth echoes many of the same tensions we see down here but carries unique risks. Nuclear entanglement, direct-ascent anti-satellite testing and the deployment of large and very large satellite constellations are among the most urgent drivers of instability. Amid the current strains in the overall U.S.-China relationship, coordinating action on these issues will be far from easy to achieve. Nevertheless, there is a path forward that can lead us toward a more stable and peaceful space environment.

The Long March rocket, carrying the Shenzhou 15 spacecraft, lifts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Nov. 29, 2022. You Li/The New York Times)
Join USIP for a discussion on strategic competition between the United States and China in space. The conversation will feature the lead author of a forthcoming USIP report on the topic, as well as space scholars and experts from the U.S. government, as they explore how to best tackle these complex challenges.

Take part in the conversation on Twitter using #USChinaSpace.

Speakers

Bruce MacDonald – Adjunct Professor, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University; Lead Author, “China and Strategic Instability in Space: Pathways to Peace in an Era of U.S.-China Strategic Competition”

Carla Freeman – Senior Expert, U.S. Institute of Peace; Report Author, “China and Strategic Instability in Space: Pathways to Peace in an Era of U.S.-China Strategic Competition”

Bhavya Lal – Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy, NASA

Victoria Samson – Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

Scott Pace, moderator – Director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University