China is rapidly advancing its space technology, sparking concerns among Western militaries. The country has developed a navigation satellite system called BeiDou, which provides positioning, navigation, and timing services worldwide. With 60 operational satellites, BeiDou has been in full global use since 2020 and will be fully operational by 2024.
The military benefits of BeiDou are significant. China uses the system to provide precise navigation and positioning for its armed forces, even surpassing the capabilities offered by the US GPS system in the Asia-Pacific region. This enhanced precision enables more accurate targeting and increased effectiveness on the battlefield.
Moreover, China’s space technology is not limited to satellite systems. The country has also developed spy probes, anti-satellite weapons, and reusable space planes. These advancements indicate a significant shift in the military capabilities of China, making it a major rival to the US in the new space race.
Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3317258/china-making-rapid-gains-space-tech-heres-how-military-could-use-it