China warns of crackdown on espionage targeting space sector

By Anadolu staff

China warned Thursday that it will launch a crackdown on espionage, infiltration, and sabotage targeting the country’s space technologies as global competition for outer space dominance accelerates, according to the state-run Global Times.

The State Security Ministry said major powers are stepping up efforts to develop and control strategic space assets while some nations race for space supremacy, fueling an arms race, and that China will severely punish any infiltration, espionage or sabotage targeting China’s key space technologies and data.

The ministry pointed to the country’s rapid progress in space exploration, including its communications and navigation satellites, manned spacecraft, space stations, and deep-space missions such as the Chang’e lunar landers, Zhurong Mars rover, and Xihe solar observatory.

These achievements, it said, have laid a strong foundation for China’s emergence as a leading spacefaring nation.

"Outer space is the common heritage of humankind, and its exploration, development, and peaceful use are shared aspirations of all humanity," it said. "China has always upheld the view that space endeavors belong to everyone, adhering to the principles of peace, respect for sovereignty, universal benefit, and co-governance."

The ministry vowed to continue to enforce a comprehensive security strategy, taking decisive legal action to safeguard the country’s space ambitions and technological assets.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid