Overview

• China now operates over 500 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites, having launched 67 last year, underpinning its rapid orbital expansion.
• Beijing has embedded space-enabled capabilities across its army, navy and air force to enhance precision and lethality in conventional operations.
• US Space Force leaders warn China’s orbital targeting network can track U.S. and allied forces and support over-the-horizon precision strikes.
• Washington is fast-tracking a $175 billion “Golden Dome” interceptor network by 2029 to detect, track and destroy missiles from space.
• China and Russia issued a joint statement condemning U.S. space weaponization as deeply destabilizing and risking armed confrontation in orbit.