Menu

United States Institute of Peace

Home ▶ Events

China and Strategic Instability in Space

Pathways to Peace in an Era of U.S.-China Strategic Competition

Date: Thursday, February 9, 2023 / Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm EST

Share This
Print the Page

In recent years, U.S.-China competition has intensified in outer space. U.S.-China competition above the Earth echoes many of the same tensions we see down here but carries unique risks. Nuclear entanglement, direct-ascent anti-satellite testing and the deployment of large and very large satellite constellations are among the most urgent drivers of instability. Amid the current strains in the overall U.S.-China relationship, coordinating action on these issues will be far from easy to achieve. Nevertheless, there is a path forward that can lead us toward a more stable and peaceful space environment.

On February 8, USIP hosted a discussion on strategic competition between the United States and China in space. The conversation featured the lead author of a new USIP report on the topic, as well as space scholars and experts from the U.S. government, as they explored how to best tackle these complex challenges.

Continue the conversation on Twitter using #USChinaSpace.

Speakers

Lise Grande, opening remarks
President and CEO, U.S. Institute of Peace

Bruce MacDonald
Adjunct Professor, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University; Lead Author, “China and Strategic Instability in Space: Pathways to Peace in an Era of U.S.-China Strategic Competition”

Nate Dailey
Principal Architect, Space Engineering, The MITRE Corporation

Carla Freeman
Senior Expert, U.S. Institute of Peace; Report Author, “China and Strategic Instability in Space: Pathways to Peace in an Era of U.S.-China Strategic Competition”

Bhavya Lal
Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy, NASA

Victoria Samson
Washington Office Director, Secure World Foundation

Scott Pace, moderator 
Director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University 

Related Publications

Ukraine’s New U.S. Lifeline: Why It’s Vital and What’s Next

Ukraine’s New U.S. Lifeline: Why It’s Vital and What’s Next

Thursday, April 25, 2024

By: Katie Ruppert ;   Ambassador William B. Taylor

This week’s U.S. approval of nearly $61 billion in funds for Ukraine’s defense is a lifeline in the Ukrainians’ struggle against Russia’s unprovoked invasion and the assault on peace and rule of law in Europe and beyond. Ukrainian troops have been rationing ammunition, their lack of defensive missiles has exposed Ukrainian cities to Russian aerial attacks — and many military analysts predicted a probable collapse on part of Ukraine’s eastern defensive lines. While this U.S. action boosts Ukrainians’ capacities and morale, ending this war will need further funds, forces and security measures for those fighting and suffering for their survival — and for the redemption of international peace through rule of law.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

A Rising Philippines Faces a Crucial Year Ahead

A Rising Philippines Faces a Crucial Year Ahead

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

By: Haroro Ingram ;   Andrew Mines

By virtue of its geography alone, the Philippines is arguably Southeast Asia’s most strategically important country. Yet its actual influence has tended to lag its potential due to decades of socioeconomic struggle and internal instability, especially in its restive southern island of Mindanao. In recent years, however, the Philippines has rapidly emerged as one of the most consequential countries in the Indo-Pacific, driven in large part by President Ferdinand Marcos’ transformative policies on national security, defense and foreign relations.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

China's Vision for Global Security: Implications for Southeast Asia

China's Vision for Global Security: Implications for Southeast Asia

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

By: Thy Try

China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI) marks a new phase in Beijing’s ongoing push to change the international security order. Through the GSI, China seeks to establish itself as a counterbalance to U.S. influence and to reshape security management in a number of strategically important regions. The GSI is still in the early stages of implementation, but it has already demonstrated the potential to disrupt the existing security framework in Southeast Asia. This may lead to increased polarization within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with some member states aligning with the GSI and others remaining cautious due to their stronger affiliations with the United States.

Type: Analysis

Global Policy

Amid a Changing Global Order, NATO Looks East

Amid a Changing Global Order, NATO Looks East

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

By: Mirna Galic

As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the Euro-Atlantic security alliance continues to deepen its engagement with Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand, collectively known as the IP4. NATO has collaborated with these countries since the early 2000s, but Russia’s war against Ukraine, security challenges posed by China and renewed strategic competition have led to increased engagement. As the war in Ukraine grinds on and U.S.-China competition shows no sign of abating, the United States has much to gain from collaboration between its allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific.

Type: Question and Answer

Global Policy

View All Publications