China's space superiority strategy centers on logistics, not satellite counts
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China defines space superiority as achieving space logistics and infrastructure to support the kind of war it might fight. The United States is watching the wrong indicators of Chinese space power by focusing on satellite launches and counterspace weapons. China is beginning to solve the logistics problem of warfare in space, with the Moon as strategic geography.
Key Facts
- The United States Space Force defines space superiority as operating without prohibitive interference from space or counterspace threats while denying the same to an adversary.
- China defines space superiority as achieving space logistics and infrastructure, then using them for the kind of war it might fight.
- In July 2025, Chinese satellites Shijian 21 and Shijian 25 conducted maneuvers in space.
- China is beginning to solve the logistics problem of warfare in space, with the Moon as strategic geography.
Definitions of Space Superiority
The United States Space Force defines space superiority as allowing military forces in all domains to operate at a time and place of their choosing without prohibitive interference from space or counterspace threats, while denying the same to an adversary. Space superiority extends beyond protecting friendly space capabilities from attack to protecting friendly forces in all domains from space-enabled attack. China defines space superiority as achieving space logistics and infrastructure, and then using them for the kind of war it might fight. The author's research trip to China confirmed this aspect of China's space program.
US Misreading of Chinese Space Power
The United States is watching the wrong indicators of Chinese space power, concentrating on the number of satellites launched and China's counterspace weapons. These analyses reveal only part of the story, as satellite maneuvers tell little about their purpose and strategic effects. In July 2025, Chinese satellites Shijian 21 and Shijian 25 conducted maneuvers in space. Positions in space are the newest strategic high ground, offering persistent surveillance, precision navigation, global communications, missile warning, and rapid targeting data.
Space Logistics and the Moon
Possessing and launching satellites is not enough; a capable force must know its delta-v budget, how it sustains itself, and how its trajectory choices trade vulnerability for opportunity. China's focus on space logistics is a key component of its space superiority concept. The most consequential development is that China is beginning to solve the logistics problem of warfare in space. The Moon is becoming strategic geography in this context.
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China's space superiority strategy centers on logistics, not satellite counts
