Chinese satellites will build Belt and Road in space

Outlook

The Belt and Road Space Information Corridor will give participating countries access to satellite and space launch capabilities they would not otherwise have, or offer them at lower cost.

This will improve their ability to manage and exploit their natural resources, forecast weather and climate, predict and respond to natural disasters, connect remote areas to the internet and reduce their dependence on US satellites for positioning, navigation and timing.

China stands to gain prestige, leverage (sometimes at the expense of the United States), and access to facilities and capabilities of partner countries.

Impacts

• Other providers of space-related services will face greater competition from China in third-country markets.
• The availability of new Chinese alternatives may reduce Washington’s influence in countries that currently depend on US space capabilities.
• China may seize commercial opportunities in markets that political barriers prevent the US space industry from accessing.
• The Space Corridor supports other BRI projects by providing information and services for constructing and operating infrastructure.