We've Rattled Our Sabers...Now What The Future of US/China Space Relations

Abstract

US/Chinese relations regarding space have been particularly tense since the end of the Cold War. The USs success in defeating the Iraqi Army in Operation Desert Storm was viewed by the Chinese as both a wake-up call and an opportunity. They realized that their conventional capabilities were lacking and the USs reliance on space capabilities presented a possible Achilles heel that could be targeted in future conflict. As the new global hegemon, the US chose to embrace its strength and used very strong rhetoric to deter others from challenging their position. Unfortunately, this strong language scared others (as was intended) but failed to deter them from developing countermeasures. China, in particular, developed an arsenal of counters pace capabilities and has intensified their rhetoric to counter US dominance of space. However, war between China and the US is not advisable to either party due to their symbiotically-linked economies. War between them would have tremendous economical impacts. This paper offers a new path for the US in regards to space relations with China.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2010
Accession Number
AD1020130

Entities

People

  • Michael L. Gargasz

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Arms Control
  • Arms Control Treaties
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cold War
  • Conventional Capabilities
  • Cooperation
  • Department Of Defense
  • Deterrence
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Security
  • Space Based
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Educational Psychology
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space