Coordinated Western Response Needed to Counter Chinese Space Threat: UK Expert

A Long March 3B rocket carrying the Beidou-3GEO3 satellite lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China, on June 23, 2020. STR/AFP via Getty Images

The West is facing a growing threat from China in the space sector, and a coordinated response is needed to counter that, space industry experts told the UK Parliament on Tuesday.

“I think China is one of the biggest issues at play geopolitically. China is building up a strong military and civil and more commercial space programme now. It’s very advanced. The threats are increasing from them,” said Nik Smith, Lockheed Martin Space UK Regional Director for the UK, at a session of the Defence Select Committee in the House of Commons.