China is pursuing a position of greater international prestige and influence than she has occupied for many centuries. An independent space program is a crucial step in this quest. This study explains the beginnings and expansion of this space program. It shows how its goals are not simply solving technological and cultural issues. Rather, the program reflects the actions of a political elite, who are forcefully pursuing space policy goals because they fit domestically and internationally into their sense of China's future. That future is one of international prominence buttressed by technological strength for both peaceful and military purposes. This incisive analysis considers the Chinese space program in comparison to those of other states at comparable historical points in their respective space programs' histories. This book provides a key perspective not before systematically employed with China because its vast size and culture are too often perceived as completely unique. This distinctiveness is viable to a point, as it is for any large powerful state, but there are deeper, more fundamental factors in play, which this analysis reveals and thoroughly examines.
This book will be of great interest to all students and scholars of space studies, politics, security studies, strategic studies, Chinese politics, Asian politics, international relations and diplomacy.