Foreign spies trying to steal space program secrets: China amid tension with West

The announcement was made via an official post on WeChat, highlighting the growing perception of space as a new "battlefield for military struggle."

In Short

• China plans to land its first astronaut on the moon by 2030
• China successfully conducted a lunar sample return mission in 2020
• China aims to establish a basic station on the moon's south pole

China's state security ministry has raised alarms over foreign intelligence agencies allegedly attempting to steal secrets from its burgeoning space program.

As the competition for dominance in space intensifies, the ministry emphasised the strategic importance of safeguarding space security for China's future survival and development.

The announcement was made via an official post on WeChat, highlighting the growing perception of space as a new "battlefield for military struggle."

The ministry accused unnamed Western countries of forming space combat forces and enhancing their capabilities to challenge China's advancements in space.

These countries have reportedly used high-precision satellites for remote sensing detection, aiming to infiltrate and extract sensitive information from China's aerospace sector.

This revelation comes amid escalating global tensions over space resources, which have become increasingly scarce. The competition is further complicated by the proliferation of abandoned satellites and rocket debris, heightening the risk of collisions in orbit.

China's ambitious lunar strategy demonstrates its commitment to becoming a leading space power. The nation plans to land its first astronaut on the moon by 2030, with Russia as a key partner in this endeavor.

In recent milestones, China successfully conducted a lunar sample return mission in 2020 with Chang'e-5 and landed an uncrewed spacecraft on the moon's far side in June 2024. By 2035, China aims to establish a basic station on the moon's south pole, followed by a moon-orbiting space station by 2045.

The intensifying arms race in space reflects broader geopolitical rivalries, particularly between China and the United States.

Both nations are investing heavily in military and civilian space capabilities, recognizing the strategic advantages conferred by satellite technology for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

As China continues to expand its presence in outer space, it faces significant challenges from foreign entities seeking to undermine its efforts.

The ministry's statement points to the critical need for robust measures to protect China's space assets and maintain its competitive edge in this rapidly evolving arena.