Asger Risom
China is developing advanced space warfare tactics, including satellite attacks and “death ray” weapons, as competition with the US increasingly extends into orbit.
Space is increasingly being seen not just as a strategic domain, but as a potential battlefield.
New insights suggest China is actively preparing for a future conflict with the United States beyond Earth.
Race for control
China is developing a wide range of capabilities aimed at challenging the US in space, according to analysis of military writings and research cited by the Financial Times and Digi24.
These include methods to disable or capture satellites, as well as more advanced concepts such as orbital strikes and directed-energy weapons.
“Looking up at the sky today, we see that space is already shrouded in the smoke of potential conflict,” Chinese military expert Jiang Lianju wrote.
Satellites at risk
Both China and the US rely heavily on satellites for communications, navigation and military operations.
This makes them a critical vulnerability, with even a single strike potentially disrupting power grids, financial systems and command networks.
“Space is a battleground, not a collection of ancillary activities,” said US Space Force chief General Chance Saltzman.
New weapons emerge
Chinese research points to a range of possible tactics, including jamming, cyberattacks and the use of lasers or particle beam weapons, sometimes described as “death rays”.
Other capabilities include satellites that can push rivals out of orbit or capture them using robotic arms.
China has already demonstrated advanced manoeuvres in orbit, including satellite docking and movements compared by experts to aerial combat.
Expanding tactics
More experimental ideas include using space debris as a weapon or attempting to interfere with launches by manipulating weather conditions.
Chinese military thinking also includes the possibility of a “space blockade”, combining multiple methods to deny an opponent access to orbit.
At the same time, efforts are underway to build more resilient systems, including communications based on quantum technology.
High stakes
The growing focus on space warfare reflects how essential satellites have become to modern life.
Military operations, communications, navigation and financial systems all depend on space-based infrastructure.
Analysts warn that any conflict in orbit could have widespread consequences on Earth, raising the stakes in an already tense US-China rivalry.
Sources: Financial Times, Digi24
