Gen. Stephen Whiting’s recent statements underscore the growing concerns over China’s advancements in space military technology.
Concerns Raised During Indo-Pacific Tour
During a significant tour of South Korea and Japan, Gen. Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, met with high-ranking military officials to discuss the rapid progress China is making in space. In a press briefing from Japan on April 24, he emphasized, “We are seriously focused at U.S. Space Command on our pacing challenge, which is the People’s Republic of China.” He noted that China is developing counter-space weapons at an alarming pace, aiming to jeopardize U.S. space capabilities. Additionally, he pointed out that these advancements are enhancing the precision and lethality of China’s terrestrial forces.
First Indo-Pacific Visit as Commander
This trip marked Gen. Whiting’s first visit to the Indo-Pacific region since taking command of U.S. Space Command in January, following Army Gen. James Dickinson. During his visit, he engaged with key military leaders such as Adm. Kim Myung-Soo, chairman of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara.
Escalating Satellite Numbers and Technological Advancements
Gen. Whiting expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Chinese satellites in orbit, stating that “Over the last six years, they have tripled the number of intelligent surveillance and reconnaissance satellites on orbit.” This surge has significantly bolstered the effectiveness of their terrestrial forces. In prepared statements for a Senate Armed Service Committee hearing in February, he revealed that China had 359 operational satellite systems as of January this year. Furthermore, Beijing is developing hypersonic glide vehicles and other advanced space weaponry designed to circumvent traditional U.S. missile warning and defense systems.
Lunar Aspirations and Dual-Use Satellites
China’s lunar ambitions are also causing unease within Space Command. While their activities appear scientific and exploratory, the lack of transparency raises suspicions about potential military components. A U.S. military report from January warned that China and Russia are deploying dual-use satellites with concealed military applications. An example cited was a Chinese satellite equipped with a giant robotic arm capable of grappling other satellites.
China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030 and has garnered support from nations like Pakistan, South Africa, Belarus, and Nicaragua for a planned moon base led by China and Russia known as the International Lunar Research Station.
Collaborative Efforts with Japan
During his visit to Japan’s Space Operations Group, Gen. Whiting highlighted the importance of collaboration between the two nations in space endeavors. He noted that Japan’s development of a deep-space radar would benefit both countries once operational.
Missile Warning Data Sharing Agreement
In November last year, the United States, Japan, and South Korea established an agreement to share missile warning data to better monitor North Korea’s missile launches. This agreement was implemented in December. Gen. Whiting stressed the need to continue this trilateral cooperation: “We need to continue the excellent work in the trilateral agreement between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan to share missile warning information so that all three countries fully understand anytime North Korea launches a missile where that missile is headed, and we can provide warning to our national leadership, to our military forces, and to our populations.”