China

• Launch capability
• Military space programs 
• Arms control

China has pursuits in both civilian and military space technology. The Chinese National Space Administration coordinates China's activities with other national space programs, while the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation is the primary entity responsible for China's domestic space needs, including the development of launch vehicles and satellites and the conduct of launches.[1,2] China is one of three nations to have achieved success in recovering satellites and executing a manned space mission.[3,4]

China's goals for the first decade of the 21st century include: developing an earth observation system, a satellite navigation and positioning system, an independent telecommunications satellite network, and a complete satellite remote-sensing application system; upgrading the current capability of its Long March launch vehicles; and establishing a research, development, and testing system for its manned space program.[5] 

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) published a report on December 14, 2007 providing details ont eh future of China's civil space activites entitled China’s Space Program: Options for U.S.-China Cooperation. This report outlines recent activities and future plans in China’s civilian space sector. It also discusses benefits and trade-offs of possible U.S.-China collaboration in space, as well as several options to improve space relations, including information exchange, policy dialogue, and joint activities. Also highlighted in the report is the January 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test that reinforced concerns about Chinese intentions in outer space and jeopardized space assets of more than two dozen countries by creating a large cloud of orbital space debris. Some argue that Chinese capabilities now threaten U.S. space assets in low earth orbit. Others stress the need to expand dialogue with China. This CRS report was made available by Secrecy News, from the Federation of American Scientists Project on Government Secrecy.

These pages draw on material developed by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. These pages are currently being updated by Katherine Amlin and Lindsay Kreslake, under the supervision of Dr. James Clay Moltz. Past contributors to the site have included Caitlin Baczuk, Josh Levinger, Charlotte Savidge, Rebecca Schauer, Nathan Voegeli and Adam Williams.

Footnotes

[1] "China National Space Administration (CNSA)," Nuclear Threat Initiative website, http://www.nti.org/db/china/cnsa.htm.

[2] "China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASTC)," Nuclear Threat Initiative website, http://www.nti.org/db/china/castc.htm.

[3] "Satellite Launch Centers," China.org website, http://www.china.org.cn/english/SPORT-c/77178.htm.

[4] "White Paper Hails China's Achievements in Space Program," Xinhua, November 22, 2000, FBIS Document CPP20001122000026.

[5] China's Space Activities (White Paper), (Beijing: The State Council Information Office, P.R.C., November 2000).

{Updated 6/23/2008}