U.S. Space Force Proposes Hotline With China For Crisis Prevention
Space Force Considers Hotline Option As Part of Asian Presence
Overt Operator
September 26, 2023
In July, the U.S. Space Force held joint talks with Japan. Now the Space Force seeks to create a crisis-prevention communication line with China as the Force moves to establish a stronger presence in Southeast Asia.
U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman revealed on Monday that the United States Space Force has discussed the possibility of setting up a hotline with China to prevent potential crises in Space.
General Saltzman stated that a direct line of communication between the two nations would be valuable in de-escalating tensions. However, he also mentioned that the US had not yet suggested the idea to China and that it would be up to President Joe Biden and the State Department to lead any discussions.
The US Space Force's consideration of a hotline with China comes as the Space Force explores the establishment of a branch in Japan.
China's military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region have raised concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Japan, which is worried about China's possible actions in Taiwan. China has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control. General Saltzman confirmed that the Space Force is exploring the potential establishment of a local headquarters in Japan, similar to the branch established in South Korea last year.
Deeper cooperation with like-minded countries, including Japan, is seen as crucial by General Saltzman to monitor and understand activity in the space domain. This cooperation is necessary to deter China and counter "grey zone activities" such as jamming satellite signals. General Saltzman emphasized the importance of having indications and warnings about China's activities in space and being able to call them out on their intent.
The US Space Force, which was founded in 2019. Alongside China, the Space Force does not have a direct line of communication with its Russian counterpart. This highlights the need for improved communication and cooperation in the space domain.
Analysts concluded that the US Space Force’s establishment of a hotline with China could prevent potential crises in space. The Chief of Space Operations, General Chance Saltzman, believes that direct communication between the Space Force and its Chinese counterpart would be beneficial in de-escalating tensions.
However, any decision on this matter would be made by President Biden and the State Department. Meanwhile, the Space Force is also considering the establishment of a branch in Japan to enhance cooperation in monitoring and countering China's activities in Space