Space Education and Strategic Applications Journal
As China continues to implement the Space Dream with economic and security interests in mind , it has found an opportunity to employ its Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI ). As China continues to gain regional influence in order to obtain global dominance , the BRI provides a mode to increase connectivity while implementing strategy . The space projects related to the BRI may boost partaking nations economic dependence on China , giving Beijing superior influence over them ( Rolland et al ., 2019 ). The China Space Dream links directly to the BRI allowing China to gain space power while strategically positioning themselves around the region .
Scholars argue the BRI is not a strategy but rather a process . The broad over-reaching concepts within the BRI do not provide strategic focus . For example , the BRI addresses China ’ s intentions to expand its trade into an estimated 65 countries ( Hillman , 2017 ). However , it lacks a detailed plan of the desired outcome and the challenges associated with handling 65 countries . Moreover , Mauk ( 2019 ) argues China ’ s new geopolitical and economic strategy to has provided opportunity to build fifty special economic zones . However , the BRI is just a blueprint outlining the approaches China desires to take in regards to expanding its dream across Indo-China .
In contrast to the U . S . and China , the implementation of India ’ s space strategy is a matter of necessity . India is focused on socioeconomic growth and the defense against domestic challenges . Therefore , India must continue to develop a strategy that eases influence and deters nations , such as China , while reducing domestic poverty . India refocused their attention to address national security concerns . India began the development of new capabilities and while addressing and enhancing legacy capabilities ( Rajagopalan , 2018 ). India understands the philosophical thinking of China and its tactic of exploiting weaker countries . For example , India spoke out against the BRI explaining China ’ s intent was to create unmanageable obligations for the Indian Ocean neighbors to establish power of regional choke points ( Chatzky & McBride , 2020 ). In response , India developed indigenous counterspace capabilities as a strategic deterrent capable of enhancing India ’ s socioeconomic position .
India wanted to establish their name on the international stage in response to the rapid growth of space-faring nations . In 2019 , India focused its strategic efforts by conducting a successful Anti-Satellite ( ASAT ) test ( Masih , 2019 ). The test of India ’ s ASAT capability made India the fourth country capable of destroying an enemy satellite . This test created a unique strategic opportunity for India to display a unique power possessed by few nations . India intended to prove to China their ability to hold China ’ s space assets at risk , if needed ( Tellis , 2019 ). Overall , in contrast to the U . S . and China , India ’ s ASAT test and strategic thinking has restored strategic balance between India and China , whereas China and U . S . strategy implementation causes a flex a of strategic power .
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