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Abstract
China has made rapid strides in developing its space capabilities and is in the process of integrating them in the war doctrines of People’s Liberaton Army (PLA) to challenge any adversary in a future conflict. PLA recognises the importance of controlling space as a means of achieving true information dominance. It advocates the development of space capabilities as an essential pre-requisite for executing successful military campaigns and for maintaining the initiative on the battlefield. In line with this thinking, it has developed high resoluton imaging satellites, high bandwidth multi-band communication satellites, electronic intelligence (ELINT) constellations and an indigenous satellite navigation constellation called Beidou. These capabilities are not only force multipliers but also enable success in electronically controlled warfare regime. China also views the denial of an adversary’s space systems as an essential component of information warfare and prerequisite for victory. It emerges that China’s ambitious space plans will not only give China the confirmed strategic advantage but also alter the power dynamics in Asia and the world. China’s emergence as a military space power has a direct bearing on India’s security, its standing in the fraternity of nations and the security environment in Asia.