Space security: An integral component of national security

Space security refers to the objective state in which space systems, rights, and orbital environments are free from threats and violations. It serves as a crucial pillar of national security and an essential component of national strategy.

According to the Ministry of State Security (MSS) of the People's Republic of China, maintaining space security involves ensuring that space assets, rights, and orbital environments within the realm of national security are protected from threats or infringements caused by natural phenomena and human activities. As countries develop their space capabilities, maintaining space security has become a vital national security strategy that influences a nation's future survival and development.

With advancements in aerospace technology, humanity is rapidly exploring space at an unprecedented pace. Space is increasingly recognized as a new growth point for the economy, a new battlefield for military conflicts, and a new domain for national security. According to the MSS, major powers and emerging nations prioritize space development, leading to a more severe space security landscape.

The competition for space resources is intensifying. Space exploration faces a critical shortage of orbital and frequency resources, while debris from defunct satellites and rocket remnants travels at high speeds, increasing the risk of collisions among spacecraft.

The arms race in space is escalating. The MSS said, in recent years, certain Western nations have formed space combat units, conducted drills to enhance their space operational capabilities, and have positioned other nations as primary competitors in the space arena, promoting theories of space hegemony and an arms race. This poses significant threats to the peaceful environment in space.

There remains a risk of technology theft in the space sector. Recently, foreign espionage agencies have utilized high-precision satellites for reconnaissance, attempting to observe and steal information. Some countries have infiltrated China's aerospace sector, using tactics such as coercion, inducement, and manipulation to extract the latest research developments.

To address these challenges, national security agencies have taken legal action against individuals attempting to steal aerospace research, effectively countering the aggressive espionage activities directed at China.

According to the MSS, in response to the new challenges in space security, national security agencies are rigorously preventing the leakage of critical technologies and data in the aerospace field. Through proactive measures, they are committed to safeguarding China's space sovereignty, security, and developmental interests, thereby reinforcing the security framework necessary for building a strong aerospace nation.