US-China Space Warfare: Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

In the contemporary world, there are no areas left where competition among states is not underway especially in international politics where global powers have always been involved in pursuing national interests. Same is the case with the area of Space where states are trying to dominate each other by increasing space capabilities and technological advancements. It has resulted in the mounting rivalry between United States and China in space which has grave implications for many countries especially Pakistan. The study will shed light on US-China space strategies and tactics against each other to dominate space. The study further aims at exploring the consequences of the increasing pace of space militarization including anti-satellite systems and space-based intelligence systems for Pakistan’s national security/defense, defense policy, and regional stability. As a country that develop space ambitions and is close friends with both superpowers especially China and having a tense relation with the US, Pakistan is now in very difficult space to maneuver in this new game. In this respect the study insists on the search for vision conceived as more realistic but capable of providing the basis for the definition of a strategy that can be instrumental for the national interest, the development of technology and stability in the region. By doing so, some of the risks inherent with entering this new environment will be mitigated, and other possible opportunities in the environment will be taken.