Insider Brief
- China is leveraging artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing under its Military-Civil Fusion strategy to advance its space program for dual civilian and military purposes.
- “Intelligentization”, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and quantum communication technologies are central to Beijing’s efforts to secure strategic dominance in global space infrastructure.
- Despite a rapid advance, gaps in logistics and military interoperability highlight challenges in China’s quest to position itself as a leader in the global space race.
- Image: China News Service from Wikimedia Commons
China is accelerating its use of frontier technologies in space, blending artificial intelligence, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing to transform itself into a global leader in the final frontier, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Beijing’s approach, outlined in the Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2024 report, is focused on the integration of military and civilian technologies. Known as Military-Civil Fusion (MCF), this strategy enables China to use space technologies for dual purposes — supporting both national security and economic development.
The report states: “The PRC pursues MCF through six interrelated efforts. Each effort overlaps with the others and has domestic and international components. The CCP seeks to implement the MCF Development Strategy across every level of the PRC from the highest national-level organs down to provinces and townships, creating top-down financing and regulatory mechanisms to incentivize civilian and military stakeholders—such as local governments, academia, research institutions, private investors, and military organizations—to combine efforts on dual-use technologies.”
Importantly, China is interested in integrating dual-use advanced technologies — including the blending of computational resources and aerospace technologies — to fuel of these ambitions, according to the report.
The analysts write: “The PRC’s 13th and 14th FYPs (Five Year Plans) call for the mechanization, informationization, and intelligentization of key civilian and military technologies, including AI; quantum information; brain science; biotechnology; clinical medicine; deep space, deep sea, and deep earth technology; and integrated circuits. The PRC announced plans to build more state labs for research on photonics, nanoelectronics, network communications, robotics, and new energy systems.”
AI Is China’s Rocket Fuel
At the heart of this strategy is artificial intelligence (AI). The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) describes its future warfare model as “intelligentized warfare,” leveraging AI for critical space operations.
The analysts write: “The PLA is pursuing next-generation combat capabilities based on its vision of future conflict, which it calls ‘intelligentized warfare,’ defined by the expanded use of AI, quantum computing, big data, and other advanced technologies at every level of warfare.”
In its space industry, China’s researchers are adding AI to a range of uses, including satellite systems for autonomous navigation, surveillance and communication.
Quantum Tech — A Future Booster?
Quantum technologies are another key component of China’s space program. The report notes China’s focus on quantum communication, a technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to secure data transfers against interception or hacking.
According to the analysts: “The PRC defense industry and universities are developing quantum imaging, navigation, and radar applications to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, including position, navigation, and timing (PNT). PLA leaders view quantum sensing capabilities as tools to improve submarine detection. Judging from the build out of the PRC’s quantum communication infrastructure, the PLA may leverage integrated quantum networks and quantum key distribution to reinforce command, control, and communications systems.”
The cyber dimension of China’s space ambitions cannot be overlooked. The report makes a special effort to underscore the importance Beijing places on protecting its space assets against cyber threats. According to the report, the PRC is a significant, continual cyber-enabled espionage and attack threat to an adversary’s military and critical infrastructure systems — these investments in the cyber sphere extend to and rely on its space operations.
Advanced Materials Science
Beyond digital innovations, China’s advances in materials science and manufacturing opens up the potential for the production of more efficient rockets and spacecraft. The report points out several of those advances: “The PRC’s hypersonic missile technologies have greatly advanced during the past 20 years. Many PRC missile programs are comparable to other international top-tier producers. The PRC is the world’s top ship-producing nation by tonnage and is capable of producing a wide range of naval combatants, gas turbine and diesel engines, and shipboard weapons and electronic systems, making it nearly self-sufficient for all shipbuilding needs.”
This expertise could translate into reliable satellite launches and the development of robust space stations.
China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System exemplifies the country’s ability to deploy large-scale space infrastructure. As a competitor to the U.S.-based GPS system, BeiDou provides global positioning and navigation services for civilian and military users alike.
Analysts write: “The PRC’s satellite navigation system, BeiDou, is an independently constructed, developed, and exclusively PRC-operated PNT service. The PRC’s priorities for BeiDou are to support national security and economic and social development by adopting PRC PNT into precise agriculture, monitoring of vehicles and ships, and aiding with civilian-focused services across more than 100 countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. BeiDou provides all-time, all-weather, and high-accuracy PNT services to users domestically, in the Asia-Pacific region, and globally and consists of 49 operational satellites.”
Belt, Road and Space
Among all of these efforts rests Beijing’s push for international partnerships. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China collaborates with developing nations, offering satellite launches and shared research facilities. These partnerships not only expand China’s influence but also embed its technologies into the global space ecosystem.
China’s advancements in space technologies are part of its broader goal to become a “world-class military” by 2049, coinciding with its centenary. The report makes clear that Beijing’s space capabilities are not just about exploration but are integral to its military strategy.
Yet challenges remain. Despite its technological advancements, the report highlights gaps in areas such as long-distance logistics and interoperability between different branches of the military. These issues could hinder the full realization of China’s ambitious space agenda. However, the PLA is already working to address these deficiencies through reforms and training initiatives, according to the report.
Ultimately, the report suggests that China’s efforts do not focus on a single technology to bolster its space program but relies on a combination of AI, quantum computing and advanced manufacturing to position the nation as a formidable competitor in the global space race. More importantly, its emphasis on integrating civilian and military technologies could redefine the role of space in geopolitics.
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