China’s space policy has emerged in recent years as a critical representation in the country’s foreign policy. China, which has made a major technological breakthrough and is trying to make its activities in the field of expansion more visible on a global scale, is turning this field into an effective instrument in international promotions. Space is considered as a power element for China in order to protect its economic interests and increase its international prestige in the mutual meaning of changes.
China’s space adventure began with the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” project launched in 1956. This project aimed to develop space technologies as well as nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. The first important step was taken in 1970 with the launch of the Dong Fang Hong 1 satellite. However, the real turning point in China’s space program was the first manned space flight in 2003. This success made China the third country to conduct manned space flight after the United States (US) and Russia.
Since then, China has accelerated its space endeavors, focusing on lunar and Mars missions, satellite technologies, and space station projects. Notably, its Chang’e-4 mission successfully landed on the far side of the Moon in 2019, and the Tianwen-1 probe was sent to Mars in 2020—both serving as concrete examples of China’s advancements in space exploration.[i] The Tianwen-2 mission, scheduled for launch in 2025, aims to explore asteroid 2016 HO3 and comet 311P, filling a significant gap in scientific research. As an asteroid that orbits in a trajectory similar to Earth’s, 2016 HO3 provides critical insights into the early solar system.[ii] These steps highlight not only China’s scientific progress but also its efforts to establish a greater presence in international space exploration.
China’s space program has become an important tool that is not only limited to scientific achievements but also strengthens the country’s foreign policy goals and increases its global influence. In particular, China’s Digital Silk Road Initiative, developed within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), reflects China’s efforts to use space technologies as a tool to increase its global influence. The Digital Silk Road, which includes satellite technologies and space-based communication systems, deepens connections between China and many countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. With this strategy, China not only strengthens its economic ties but also ensures the integration of these countries into their technological infrastructure. Dependence on this infrastructure stands out as a factor that increases China’s political and economic influence over these countries.
Within the framework of the BRI, China’s satellite services and space-based technological solutions hold critical importance for developing countries. In particular, nations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are enhancing their communication infrastructure through satellite services provided by China. This not only supports their economic development but also deepens their ties with China. For instance, countries like Pakistan and Nigeria are leveraging China’s satellite technologies to develop their own space programs.
Another important dimension of China’s space policy is the great importance it attaches to international cooperation. China has been spearheading various initiatives within the United Nations to promote the peaceful use of space and aims to take global leadership in this regard. However, China’s space policy does not only aim to establish peaceful cooperation; it is also seen as an important instrument to expand its strategic sphere of influence in the international arena. In this context, international platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), led by China, promote the sharing and cooperation of space technologies at the regional level. APSCO is an important initiative that aims to develop joint space projects with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and increase regional harmony. Such cooperation not only strengthens China’s global influence in the space field, but also deepens its technological and economic ties with other countries.
Another significant aspect of China’s space policy is its connection to economic interests. The space industry plays a crucial role in contributing to China’s economic growth. Fields such as satellite technologies, space-based communication systems, and space tourism serve China’s economic objectives. In particular, space tourism has become a key area of focus for China in recent years.[iii] By encouraging private sector investment in this field, China aims to establish a strong competitive position in the space tourism market, in alignment with its national strategies. Space tourism will not only provide economic opportunities for China but also enhance its global prestige. Moreover, advancements in this sector will help transform space technologies into a broader commercial potential, accelerating China’s economic development.
As a result, China’s space program has become a critical tool for foreign policy and economic interests beyond scientific achievements. Space aims to increase China’s global influence and support its economic growth. Projects such as the Digital Silk Road deepen ties with developing countries and deepen China’s competition with the United States. China’s space policy strengthens its role in international relations as a factor that reinforces not only its scientific but also its strategic and economic interests.
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[i] “Tianwen-1: China successfully launches probe in first Mars mission”, China National Space Administration, https://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6809882/content.html, (Accessed Date: 24.02.2025).
[ii] “China’s Tianwen-2 mission probe arrives at launch center, set for asteroid sample return mission in first half of year”, People’s Daily, http://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0221/c90000-20279882.html, (Accessed Date: 24.02.2025).
[iii]“China’s Deep Blue Aerospace reveals suborbital tourism plans”, Space News, https://spacenews.com/chinas-deep-blue-aerospace-reveals-suborbital-tourism-plans/, (Accessed Date: 24.02.2025).