CHICOMS MAY MILITARILY DOMINATE HIGHER GROUND OF SPACE

CHICOMS MAY MILITARILY DOMINATE HIGHER GROUND OF SPACE

"China’s second manned space launch has ignited a new round of debate over the implications of the PRC’s burgeoning space capabilities. ‘China is serious in investing’ in space capabilities that have ‘significant military applications in the future,’ retired Air Force China specialist Mark Stokes tells Voice of America. ‘Space assets, as well as countering … the U.S. use of space or other countries’ use of space, are important force multipliers that can help to even the playing field when you are going up against a technologically superior adversary.’ According to Stokes, the space launch constitutes ‘a stepping stone for a longer-range program to make them a significant player in military space in the future.’ — October 12" Source: Ilan Berman, China Reform Monitor, 10/20/05