The concept of space superiority has become a central focus of modern military and strategic planning, yet definitions of what it actually entails vary significantly between global powers. While Western defense analysts often focus on hardware metrics, China is quietly shaping a strategy centered on long-term space logistics and infrastructure. This approach suggests that traditional indicators of space power may not fully capture Beijing's ultimate objectives beyond Earth's atmosphere.
According to the United States Space Force (USSF), space superiority is defined as the capability that "allows military forces in all domains to operate at a time and place of their choosing without prohibitive interference from space or counterspace threats, while also denying the same to an adversary." This definition emphasizes protecting friendly assets in all domains from space-enabled attacks and securing freedom of action. For many security experts, achieving this involves establishing command over specific points in space during critical times, maintaining a strategic edge, and denying similar advantages to competitors, much like securing high ground in traditional terrestrial warfare.
However, China's framework for space superiority diverges from this model by prioritizing the development of space logistics and infrastructure as the foundation for future operations. Observers note that Western analyses frequently look at the wrong indicators of Chinese space capability, focusing heavily on the sheer volume of satellite launches and the development of counterspace weapons. While high-profile events—such as the orbital maneuvers conducted in July 2025 by China's Shijian 21 and Shijian 25 satellites—are closely monitored, they offer limited insight into the strategic intent and long-term effects of China's program.
Positions in space represent the ultimate strategic high ground, providing critical capabilities in persistent surveillance, global communications, precision navigation, missile warning, and rapid targeting. In traditional maneuver warfare, the side that observes, orients, decides, and acts quickest gains the initiative. In the space domain, however, maneuverability is strictly constrained by orbital mechanics, communications latency, fuel capacity, and geometric alignment. Consequently, merely launching and owning satellites is insufficient. To maintain a sustained presence, a spacefaring nation must manage its delta-v budgets and establish reliable methods of self-sustainment, which explains China's heavy emphasis on logistics.
China is actively working to resolve these logistical hurdles, particularly through its lunar exploration program. The upcoming Chang'e 7 mission, scheduled for launch later this year, is designed to survey the Lunar South Pole in search of natural resources, specifically water ice located in permanently shadowed craters. Securing access to lunar water is a critical step because transporting water, fuel, and other essential supplies from Earth is incredibly expensive. If extracted successfully, lunar water could be used for life-support systems or split into hydrogen and oxygen to manufacture rocket propellant directly on the Moon.
These resource-gathering efforts are directly linked to China's long-term infrastructure plans. The data gathered by Chang'e 7 will support the subsequent Chang'e 8 mission and lay the groundwork for the proposed International Lunar Research Station, which China plans to establish by 2036. Highlighting this connection, space scientist Chi Wang and his co-authors noted in a research paper that, "Taking into account the future location of the lunar research station, the CE-7 [Chang'e 7] mission will select the lunar south pole region as its preferred landing area." By systematically accumulating scientific knowledge, robotic capabilities, and communication networks, China is building the logistical foundation necessary to secure a persistent presence and achieve its vision of space superiority.
This screenshot from CCTV (China Central Television) shows China’s first moon rover Yutu, or Jade Rabbit, in an image taken by the camera on the Chang’e 3 moon lander, Dec. 15, 2013.
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