China's Growing Space Program

The Long March rocket carrying the unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou 8 blasts off from the launch pad at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre Photo: REUTERS

China's Huge Leap Forward Into Space Threatens US Ascendancy Over Heavens -- The Telegraph

When China managed dock two unmanned spacecraft orbiting earth for the first time, it took a great leap forward in its new race into space, reports David Eimer in Beijing.

Floating 200 miles above earth is the latest symbol of China's determination to become a true global superpower.

When the Tiangong 1 module docked successfully with the Shenzhou 8 spacecraft in the early hours of Thursday morning, China took a giant step towards its dream of becoming the pre-eminent power in space, a position some experts believe it may claim by 2040.

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My Comment: Kudos for them in developing a space program, but brick-bats because everyone knows that the military component is the huge reason why this program is being developed. Chinese space based weapons is the intent, and giving what is happening with their program .... this "new crisis" will be sooner rather than later.