China's space warfare capabilities.
China on December 17 launched a satellite that will test a new method for detecting dark matter -- the first of a series of five missions that put China at the cutting edge of space science. Separately, Beijing and Washington last month set up a 'space hotline' to reduce the risk of conflict in space -- an agreement representing acknowledgement of China's space capabilities and the challenge they pose to US strategic and tactical superiority.
China still lags the United States significantly, but is eroding US dominance.
Space capabilities will be integral to the success of China's 'anti-access/area denial' strategy.
Earth observation and navigation satellites will support civilian enforcement of China's maritime claims.
China will seek space collaboration with other developing countries.
