Deciphering China's ambitions in space

Join our speakers as they assess China's space ambitions, the motivations driving Beijing’s space strategy, and how western governments should view these developments. They will also discuss how China’s vision differs from other nations, how they see the future of space diplomacy developing and whether collaboration between China and western nations within the space domain is possible or necessary.

From its space station currently in orbit to lunar missions and the development of across-the-board space capabilities, China has emerged as a significant space power, at a time when many countries and private actors are investing in space. Meanwhile, from the commercialisation and privatisation of space to the challenges of space debris and space weaponisation, the existing framework of space governance seems increasingly inadequate. This is compounded by a new era of strategic competition that extends in space, especially in the context of US-China relations. It is in this dynamic context of global space activities that China’s space ambitions will have significant consequences for the future of space.

The event will be followed by a networking session taking place at the George IV pub. Please note that this is a public event and entry is on a first come, first served basis.

Meet our speakers and chair:

• Robert Kerby, International Intelligence and Security at Planet Labs. His background includes 20+ years of military and commercial experience in the Defence Intelligence and Space domains.

• James Kynge, Global China Editor at the Financial Times. He writes about China's interactions - geopolitical, technological, economic and in other fields - with the outside world. He is the recipient of several awards for journalism and his 2009 book, China Shakes the World was a bestseller translated into 19 languages.

• Juliana Suess, Research Analyst and Policy Lead on Space Security as part of the Military Sciences team at RUSI. She's also host of the 'war in space' podcast.

• Dimitrios Stroikos, LSE Fellow in the Department of International Relations and Head of the Space Policy Programme at LSE IDEAS. He is also the editor-in-chief of Space Policy: An International Journal, hosted at LSE IDEAS. His research has appeared in multiple publications and he has also co-edited the open access volume Rising Power, Limited Influence The Politics of Chinese Investments in Europe and the Liberal International Order (Oxford University Press, 2024). His latest open access publication is Still Lost in Space? Understanding China and India’s Anti-Satellite Tests through an Eclectic Approach.

• Connor Horsfall, Director of the Young China Watchers (YCW) and a Senior Consultant at Shearwater Global. Connor writes extensively on China-related issues and has featured in both the South China Morning Post and Nikkei Asia. His recent opinion pieces have covered Beijing’s space ambitions, AI development and Britain’s China policy.

• Chair: Chris Alden is Professor of International Relations at LSE and Director of LSE IDEAS.