China and Russia held major talks in Moscow focusing on the "peaceful use of outer space," marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing cooperation.
The meeting, attended by Ma Xinmin, director general of the Chinese foreign ministry’s department of treaty and law, and his Russian counterpart Sergey Belousko, resulted in an agreement to bolster coordination in space activities both bilaterally and at specialized multilateral platforms.
This consultation, the first of its kind at the ministerial level, covered critical areas such as international legal regulation and ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of space activities.
The discussions also addressed the agenda of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Both nations emphasized the need for continued close cooperation to prevent an arms race in outer space and its weaponization, reflecting their shared concerns over U.S. policies on space militarization.
This sentiment was echoed in a joint statement following President Vladimir Putin's visit to China in May, where both countries expressed "serious concerns" over the U.S. deployment of anti-missile systems in space.
China and Russia's space collaboration extends beyond peaceful uses, encompassing strategic and military dimensions. Their cooperation includes satellite navigation, with a robust partnership established through a 2014 MOU on compatibility and interoperability, and the establishment of ground stations in each other’s countries.
This collaboration ensures that both nations have access to alternative signals in case their national satellite navigation systems are compromised.
In March 2021, the two countries signed an MOU on joint lunar exploration, aiming to establish a lunar research base. This initiative, which has attracted interest from several other countries, is seen as a counter to the U.S.-led Artemis Accords.
Additionally, their cooperation in space debris monitoring, initiated in November 2018, highlights the dual-use nature of such technologies, potentially enhancing their military space surveillance capabilities.
The evolving China-Russia space relationship signifies a shift in the power dynamic, with China emerging as a leading space power. This transition is driven by China's growing technological capabilities and sustained funding, positioning it to take a more dominant role in the partnership.
Despite the deepening trust and strategic alignment, the full extent of their cooperation remains shrouded in secrecy, adding an element of uncertainty to their true collaborative efforts.
Comments