Outer space is rapidly emerging as a critical domain of geopolitical and military competition. Satellites support navigation, communications, financial systems, climate monitoring and much more. At the same time, space is increasingly seen as a strategic and military domain. Countries are investing heavily in space capabilities, and satellites are becoming potential targets in times of conflict. China plays a growing role in these developments and has stated its ambition to become the world’s leading space power by 2045.
In this China Knowledge Network (CKN) Knowledge Session, Dr. Sanne van der Lugt explored recent security developments in the space domain, with a particular focus on China’s ambitions, capabilities and international positioning. The session also reflected on the implications for Europe and the Netherlands, including questions of dependence, security and strategic autonomy.
During the session, the following points were discussed:
- Why space is becoming an important security domain
- How China is shaping developments in space
- What these trends mean for Europe and European policymakers
Watch the interview and the knowledge session here:
Speaker
Dr Sanne van der Lugt is a researcher and policy advisor specializing in China, technological development and the consequences for European strategic autonomy. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Africa, worked on research projects for organizations such as the European Commission, Oxfam and WWF, and contributed to the recent Advisory Council on International Affairs report Governing Space Safety and Security.
