“I don’t buy the idea of the militarization of the Moon” – Dr John Plumb, US Assistant Secretary for Space Diplomacy
mid concerns that China’s Change’e 6 mission to the moon, launched on May 3, could be a part of a strategy to militarise the moon, Dr John Plumb, the Assistant Secretary of Defence for Space Policy at the U.S Department of Defence, said, “I do not buy the idea of the militarisation of the moon.” He expressed his belief that space could instead serve as a significant platform for diplomacy with China. On the threat of nuclear weapons in space, Dr Plumb said the Defence Department (DOD) was taking the threat of Russia sending a nuclear head into space very seriously,” and added that no space-faring nation should entertain such a capability due to its catastrophic implications. Regarding the threat of cyber-attacks in space, Dr Plumb suggested that constellations of low-orbit satellites could provide a solution to ensuring satellite safety and said that the DOD is exploring other potential applications of low-orbit satellites
China Woos the West as Xi Meets with Western Leaders
As China’s foreign policy becomes more aggressive and centralised, the world is seeing a new international order. In this article, published originally by The Conversation, Professor of International Security Stefan Wolff explores how Xi’s meetings with foreign leaders shows China’s…
Beijing’s Tightening Alliance with Moscow Raises Alarm amid Ukraine War
Recent revelations of Beijing’s intensified support for Moscow in its war against Ukraine, particularly through the provision of geospatial intelligence, have sparked growing concerns among Western powers. Despite China’s claims of neutrality, evidence suggests that China’s assistance to Russia is playing a significant role in sustaining Moscow’s war effort. According…
Tensions Rise in the East China Sea After Several Chinese Warships Enter Taiwan Coastal Waters
Tensions in the East China Sea have increased after the Taiwan Ministry of National Defence revealed that it detected seven Chinese naval vessels and five of its military aircraft operating around the island. One of the People’s Liberation Army aircraft…
China’s UK election hack – how and why the Electoral Commission was targeted
Soraya Harding, University of Portsmouth via The Conversation The UK government has accused China of hacking the UK Electoral Commission, gaining access to information about millions of voters. In the aftermath of the incident, the UK and US governments have…
