Sino us Space Rivalry and its Impact on South China Sea Dispute

Abstract

This article explores the space programs of China and the United States that have emerged as an important factor in the struggle by the two states to attain hegemony in the Asian region, particularly in the South China Sea (SCS). This paper aims to find the answer to the puzzle of why the United States and China have not cooperated in the domain of space security despite cooperation in other different areas of security, and how this rivalry has impacted the SCS dispute. This paper further seeks to find out how the US and China became involved in the space race. These questions are answered within the broader framework of realism. Offensive realism assumes that the international system is in anarchy. In this scenario, the rational course of action would be to maximize their power to ensure their survival and protect their interests. The US and China are enhancing their power because the power of one threatens the security of the other. The theoretical lens of Hegemonic Stability theory is applied; it explains how the US is the hegemon in the current system, and this system is stable unless a rising power threatens to overtake this position. China is that rising power. China’s goal is to become the regional hegemon and it has employed, like the US, its space program for surveillance of the region. In light of the evidence and findings, if China and the US continue to use space technology to counter each other, it might lead to a direct military confrontation in the SCS.