China, America, And Space

Some American political leaders are becoming concerned about the ultimate intentions behind China's space program. They cite, for example. the demonstrated Chinese anti-satellite capability, and the fact that China's space program is run by the People's Liberation Army. Add to that unease the booming Chinese economy, the struggling American economy, and the ongoing emergence of China as a true world power, and some American officials are wondering whether China plans to challenge U. S. dominance in space.

A robust Chinese anti-satellite capability could be a major concern, but China isn't alone in that area. The U. S. has a similar capability, Russia may well have, and India is developing one. Other nations may also be in the mix. Such technology is operationally similar to nuclear bombs-- a great power might want it, but the whole point is to never use it. The Chinese economy may be moving right along, but there are huge challenges ahead. People are moving from the country to the cities by the hundreds of millions. Absorbing those people will strain the system. China is also attempting to empower people economically, but not politically. How long that can work is open to question.

China's manned space program may be coming right along, too, but it's trying to do things NASA accomplished fifty years ago. If American leaders are unhappy that constitutes gaining on the U. S., they have only themselves to blame for wasting that half century.