China and Russia Target US and Allies' Satellites with Space Lasers [Reading Science]

U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Issues Annual Report Warning
Emphasizes Need for 'Multilateral Space Security Dialogue Framework'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] China and Russia are developing various space weapons, including laser guns, to attack satellites of the United States and other Western countries, increasing the actual risk of a 'space war.' Accordingly, a report from the U.S. intelligence community has called for a multilateral framework for space security discussions.

The U.S. Director of National Intelligence (DNI), in its '2022 Annual Threat Assessment' released earlier last month, stated, "As countries like China and Russia begin to regard space as a domain of warfare, the importance of multilateral discussions on space security has grown," and emphasized, "We need to discuss ways to reduce the risk of confrontations that could affect the space security of all nations."

The report specifically targeted China, stating, "China is striving to surpass or match the United States' space capabilities to gain the prestige and military and economic benefits secured through U.S. leadership in space." In fact, the Chinese People's Liberation Army is making every effort to build superior military intelligence compared to the U.S. by deploying reconnaissance satellites, establishing its own GPS system, and developing satellite communication technologies. Recently, it has been focusing on developing ground-launched or space-based satellite interception weapons to attack U.S. satellites.

U.S. intelligence agencies have also not hidden their vigilance toward Russia. The report pointed out, "Russia is actively developing satellite communications, GPS systems, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites, focusing on integrating them with weapons and command and control systems," and noted, "These capabilities will enable Russia to quickly detect, track, and attack U.S. satellites in the event of a conflict."

Furthermore, the report analyzed, "Russia continues to train its military space units and is developing new satellite interception weapons to degrade or destroy the space capabilities of the U.S. and its allies," adding, "It is developing, testing, and deploying destructive and non-destructive space attack capabilities such as electromagnetic interference, cyberattacks, directed energy weapons (lasers), orbital attack satellites, and ground-launched anti-satellite weapons (ASAT)."