This paper aims to elaborate on the extent to which China shapes international order and global politics and whether China’s space policy represents another operational tool to expand global power. In recent years, there have been increasing media reports that China is seeking to establish (more) global power by expanding its activities at high-technological level. This is evidenced particularly by the Republic’s growing space operations.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. CONTEXT
2.1 Concept of the People’s Republic of China
2.2 China’s Security Policy Horizon
2.3 Leadership role and independence in future-oriented high-technological areas
2.4 Ambitions to be present in space
3. ANALYSIS
3.1 How China shapes international order and global politics
3.2 Xi Jinping’s aspirations: new international system with Chinese characteristics
3.3 Global consequences of China’s Space Policy
4. CONCLUSION
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines how the People’s Republic of China exerts influence over international order and global politics, while evaluating whether its growing presence in space serves as an additional strategic instrument for expanding its global power.
- Analysis of China's political and security landscape.
- Investigation of China's pursuit of technological sovereignty and leadership.
- Examination of the geopolitical implications of China's space program.
- Evaluation of China's role within global institutions and international legal systems.
- Assessment of the systemic competition between China and the United States.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4 Ambitions to be present in space
The Soviet Union launched Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, in the year of 1957. This event started a “space race” between the Soviet Union and the United States. At that point China had no intention to compete in the battle for superiority in space. Mao Zedong (one of founders of the Chinese Communist Party) even said that “China cannot even put a potato in space.” (Kharpal, 2021)
Although the United States is still in the leading position in all areas of space capabilities, president Xi Jinping stated that “Chinas ‘Space Dream’ is to overtake all nations and become the leading space power by 2045.” (Kharpal, 2021)
According to Sa’id Mosteshar (director of the London Institute of Space Policy and Law), one of the ambitions behind Chinas willing to conquest space, is that it could drive technological development in areas such as socioeconomic development and national security. It can therefore provide China an advantage over other countries.
Additionally, space achievements can also help China to showcase its technical sophistication to the rest of the world and thereby increase its national and international prestige, legitimacy and influence. That is why China has launched more and more space operations over the last few years to get closer to those goals.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the increasing global influence of China and states the research goal of exploring how this power impacts international order and space policy.
2. CONTEXT: This section details China's political system, security horizon, technological aspirations, and its evolving space program.
3. ANALYSIS: This chapter examines how China shapes global politics, its specific goals for a new international system, and the global consequences of its space policy.
4. CONCLUSION: The final chapter summarizes the systemic rivalry between China and the U.S. and reflects on China's future trajectory as a potential global power.
Keywords
China, Global Power, International Order, Space Policy, Xi Jinping, Communist Party, Technology, Geopolitics, Security Policy, Space Race, Made in China 2025, Sovereignity, World Power, Global Politics, Economic Influence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the expansion of China's global influence and investigates whether its space policy serves as a strategic instrument to solidify its position as a world power.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers Chinese internal political structure, its security policy, high-tech industrial ambitions, and the competitive space race between China and the United States.
What is the main objective or research question?
The primary objective is to analyze the extent to which China shapes the current international order and whether its activities in space are being used to enhance its global power status.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The work employs a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing official policy statements, media reports, and academic research to evaluate China's strategic behavior.
What topics are discussed in the main analysis?
The analysis covers China's economic and political impact on global markets, the establishment of Chinese-led international initiatives, and the strategic implications of its space exploration achievements.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Global Power, China, Space Policy, International Order, Xi Jinping, and Geopolitical Competition.
How does the author view the "Space Dream" of China?
The author views it as a multi-purpose strategy intended to drive socioeconomic development, national security, and international prestige, ultimately aiming to challenge U.S. dominance.
What is the significance of the "Made in China 2025" strategy mentioned?
The strategy is highlighted as a critical effort to replace foreign technology with domestic alternatives to achieve industrial and technological leadership, which creates tension with Western trade partners.
- Citar trabajo
- Anonym (Autor), 2021, China’s growing global power. The ways in which China shapes international order and global politics on earth and recently in space, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1166633
