A Historical Review of U.S.-China Relations in the Space Domain

The relationship between the United States and China, with all its complexity and global consequence, is one that should be approached with clear-sighted, judicious care. This is particularly the case in the space domain. Hence, a historical overview of U.S.-China relations in this domain can both remind us of the interconnectedness between the two nations' efforts and emphasize the context from which many of their current actions and aspirations stem. Throughout this history, there has been an oscillation between suspicion and a desire for reconciliation. Even from the beginning of the relationship, key moments point to decisions made by the United States having effects that were counterproductive to their original intent and desires. The birth of the Chinese space program, a period of growing pains, and its current accelerating maturity have all been attended by the United States in some fashion and shaped in ways by U.S. policy decisions. Five generalized periods of interface for the United States and China can illustrate the nature of their space relationship: a foundational period, an adolescent trial run, the turn to a restrictive millennium, further dividing regulations, and the most recent hardening of separation.

Automated summary

The relationship between the United States and China in the space domain is complex and significant. A historical overview helps us understand the context of their current actions. The five periods of interface between the two countries illustrate the evolving nature of their space relationship.