![]() Diplomatically, China may be interested in projecting a benign image. While there has often been a gap between how the United States and its partners across the Atlantic view China, this gulf in perceptions is narrowing. Though China may attempt to point blame at the United States, the ESA’s decision is due to China’s actions. For example, a recent Global Times commentary claims the ESA has been ‘increasingly kidnapped by the US amid ongoing and prolonged Russia–Ukraine conflict’, blaming the United States for playing a ‘zero-sum game’ while leaving a ‘friendly door open’ to Europe. Instead, most place blame on the United States. In response to the ESA’s decision, Chinese commentators have been cautious not to criticise the ESA directly. As of now, this lack of engagement appears to be limited to just the space station and it is unclear whether there will be further restrictions on cooperation. But the ESA’s decision is unlikely to slow China’s largely indigenous space program. China’s space station - the crown jewel of its space program - is unlikely to garner China diplomatic or reputational benefits with other great powers. ![]() ![]() The decision by the ESA to not send European astronauts to China’s space station represents a symbolic blow to Beijing’s political aspirations. ![]() The ESA had been in dialogue with Beijing about sending astronauts to China’s space station and even sent European astronauts to conduct sea survival training in China. It helps China appear as a more inclusive alternative to the United States, with China currently banned from participating in the ISS.Ĭhina has already solicited bids at the United Nations to host experiments on its space station. The space station is a means for China to present itself as a responsible public goods provider on the international stage, especially if the ISS is defunded. While China’s space station may be popular among domestic nationalist audiences, it is also important in advancing Beijing’s goal of elevating China’s soft power, diplomatic influence and international prestige. While it is unclear exactly how much China has spent on its space station, it has likely done so at a considerable cost and has taken three decades to achieve its goal. US lawmakers have even considered defunding the International Space Station (ISS) due to its steep costs. The material benefits of having a space station are questionable relative to the costs, especially when considering uncrewed robotic alternatives. Space stations are difficult and costly to build. While this decision will likely do little to slow China’s space ambitions, it suggests that Beijing’s assertive behaviour, human rights abuses and implicit support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are increasingly alienating Europe. On 23 January 2023, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA) Josef Ashbacher announced that Europe has no intentions of sending astronauts to China’s recently completed space station. Economics, Politics and Public Policy in East Asia and the PacificĪuthor: Lincoln Hines, USAF Air War College
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