China has successfully completed the mission of its second manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI. Although the government repeatedly claimed that its space program is being developed strictly for peaceful purposes, when the whole development and launch process is being directed by the People's Liberation Army (PLA), one cannot help but be concerned over the direction that China's space program is taking, and question whether their intentions are really as peaceful as they claim.
Generally speaking, the development of manned spacecraft has the potential for the following military applications: locating and monitoring terrestrial targets; aiding the command and direction of ground forces; repairing orbiting satellites and assembling large space-based military facilities; blocking or destroying satellites and missiles; and refueling military satellites and orbiting space platforms.
The first and fourth of these applications have given many members of the international community serious cause for concern.
KEY FACTOR
A key factor in China's Revolution in Military Affairs has been the development and acquisition of advanced weapon technology.
In addition to upgrading the three traditional branches of the armed services -- the army, the navy and the air force -- it has also placed considerable emphasis on information warfare, or cyberwarfare.
Recently, China has actively sought to catch up with advanced nations in the field of cyberwarfare, even establishing a computer network branch within the military to improve efficiency in this area.
In addition, developing a space arm of the military has been a long-term goal of China's military.
Ever since the 1960s, the PLA has dreamed of possessing "the two bombs and satellites" -- the "two bombs" refer to atomic and hydrogen bombs.
MANNED SPACECRAFT
Since 1992, China has included manned spacecraft in its national development planning, which was later dubbed the Shenzhou manned flight project. China successfully launched its first unmanned spacecraft in 1999. With the launch of the Shenzhou VI this year, China's second manned space flight, the rapidity and efficiency of China's space program can be observed.
Missiles that are capable of rapidly changing their course and altitude during flight are also being developed as part of China's space program.
These missiles will be better able to evade interception from missile defense systems and will be extremely efficient themselves at intercepting other missiles.
After China has acquired such technology, it will be able to use long-range missiles to successfully counter the US missile defense system, which is currently under development.
EXPRESSION OF CONCERN
This is one of the reasons for the US' expression of concern over China's development of space technology.
While China continues to enhance its advanced military capabilities, the opposition parties in Taiwan continue to obstruct the passage of the arms-procurement package in the legislature.
As a result, there will be a growing imbalance in cross-strait military strength, which is of the utmost significance for Taiwan's ongoing security.
Wang Kun-yi is an associate professor in the graduate institute of international affairs and strategic studies at Tamkang University.
TRANSLATED BY LIN YA-TI
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