Ahead of the first Indo-U.S. Space Security Dialogue next week, the U.S. on Thursday expressed concern over China developing disruptive counter-space technologies and underscored the need for an early conclusion of a global code of conduct on use of outer space.
“China has satellite-jamming capabilities and is pursuing a full suite of anti-satellite systems,” said Frank Rose, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Bureau of Arms Control, Verification and Compliance, during an interaction at the Observer Research Foundation.
Stating that Beijing views space as the vulnerability of the U.S., Mr. Rose said: “The U.S. has a comprehensive strategy to deal with that threat, which includes developing rules of the world for use of outer space and also making our system more resilient.”
“Let me also be clear that the U.S. views space … as vital to our national security. We will defend our capabilities,” he said.
Highlighting the threat posed by space debris to space faring nations, Mr. Rose sought deeper cooperation with India for early conclusion of a global framework on code of conduct for space and stressed on maintaining long-term security and sustainability of outer space environment, including space situational awareness and collision avoidance.
Asked about specific proposals for discussion, he said: “There are a number of things that the U.S. is interested in collaborating with India. For example, maritime domain awareness and improving space situational awareness capability.”
“I am hoping that this first dialogue will help us develop a framework for serious practical cooperation and also how we can more effectively [work] together in multilateral forums,” he added.
Indian and U.S. space agencies have cooperated in India’s Chandrayaan mission launched in 2008 and during the visit of U.S. President Barack Obama to India in January, both nations pledged to enhance space cooperation for peaceful purposes.
