China says space program is target of foreign spies

China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) warned on October 23 that some countries are trying to steal information from Chinese space scientists.

In a post on social media WeChat, the MSS said that security agencies had investigated and handled a number of cases, "dealing with foreign spy agencies carrying out intelligence activities against China", although it did not mention any specific countries, the South China Morning Post reported on October 23.

The MSS added that foreign spy agencies have recently used high-precision remote sensing satellites to conduct surveillance and steal information related to China's space industry research. China's security agency stressed that space security is an important pillar of national security and that it is necessary to protect space assets, rights and environment from threats, both natural and man-made.

The Long March-2F rocket and Shenzhou-19 spacecraft were launched onto the launch pad in Jiuquan City, China on October 22.

Beijing sees outer space as a “new frontier for economic growth, military tension and national security,” stressing that major and middle powers are prioritizing space development, which could lead to tensions. In addition, China has raised new challenges, including competition for space resources, as well as the risk of spacecraft colliding with space debris.

The MSS accused “some countries” of accelerating an arms race in space, without mentioning them specifically. The ministry said the unnamed countries had established space combat forces and viewed China as a major rival.

"They advocate the control of space and spare no effort to contain us. This poses a threat to the peaceful environment of space," MSS added.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/trung-quoc-noi-chuong-trinh-vu-tru-tro-thanh-muc-tieu-cua-diep-vien-nuoc-ngoai-185241024173442065.htm