Space
Technology
From moonshots to market share: China’s Space+ strategy
China is unifying its space activities into a unified national ecosystem as it moves beyond mission-specific exploration to industrialisation and ecosystem building. Australian researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May explains how economic pursuits align with the strategic shift in how China views its role in the global space order.
Genevieve Donnellon-May
Technology
China satellite investment soars as SpaceX sparks race for piece of the sky
Even as SpaceX’s Starlink dominates the low-Earth orbit sphere, China’s satellite ambitions are accelerating. As Beijing races to catch up amid new frontiers like orbital AI computing rising, can it close the costly gap in reusable rocket technology in time?
Caixin Global
Technology
[Big read] The US-China moon race is more dangerous than ever
More than 50 years after Apollo, the US races back to the moon amid growing fears that China could beat it. What was once a symbol of exploration is now a high-stakes arena of strategic rivalry. Lianhe Zaobao’s correspondent Yush Chau finds out more.
Yush Chau
Technology
How Qi Faren helped launch China into space — and why it still matters
Qi Faren, chief designer of China’s Shenzhou 5, shared his lifelong dedication to China’s aerospace journey — from early missile development to manned spaceflight — with Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH’s Chinese Media Group, in 2004. In the interview collected in Lee’s new book,《思索的长度》(A Long Thought), Qi reflected on patriotism, self-reliance and the spirit that has driven China’s space program through adversity — values that continue to underpin the country’s pursuit of technological advancement today.
Lee Huay Leng
Technology
[Big read] China-US rivalry enters the field of quantum technology
With Google announcing its breakthrough quantum chip, Willow, how far behind is China, and what are some of the areas where quantum technology can make an impact? Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Daryl Lim finds out more.
Daryl Lim
Politics
Milei’s China promise: When will the visit happen?
Argentinian President Javier Milei has shown that he is prepared to deal with China on friendly terms, even as it aligns with the US, and has said that he will visit China soon. Academic Antonio C. Hsiang takes a look at what this means for Argentina-China relations.
Antonio C. Hsiang
Politics
Is Trump pushing Latin America towards China?
One of the most pressing concerns for the US is China’s growing presence in Latin America’s strategic sectors, particularly in space and surveillance, observes US academic John Calabrese. But Trump’s confrontational rhetoric and punitive policies could undermine efforts to strengthen ties with Latin American nations and see off such threats.
John Calabrese
Technology
Does Elon Musk’s Starship outshine Chinese rockets?
Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk takes a look at the recent successful test flight of SpaceX’s Starship, and what it means for the reignited space race between the US and China. Who will be the next to make it to the moon?
China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao
Technology
Starlink, meet Qianfan: China’s bold bid to catch up in the satellite race
Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yu Zeyuan notes that while China still has a long way to go to resolve the issues of its satellite network construction, its efficient production lines and recent launches shows that it is catching up to the US, a key leader in the field.
Yu Zeyuan
