| Publication |
2010.
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| Summary/Abstract |
Cooperation on space issues has been one of the elements of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership, and includes both technological and political dimensions. As a rising space power with an ambitious space exploration program, China has greatly benefited from proven Russian technology and knowledge. Additionally, Russia and China have united their voices on the issue of space weaponization, and have coordinated their efforts in the international fora. Through analyzing political and technical cooperation on space issues between the two nations, prospects for, and limits of, the Sino-Russian strategic partnership in space are assessed. The conclusion is reached that building on a Russian technological base, China is gradually transforming from a recipient of Russian technical assistance to an equal partner in complex scientific projects. The issue of technology transfer, however, is sensitive for Russia and places limits on cooperation. At the same time, a change in the United States approach to both states challenges the Sino-Russian space entente, both in its technical and political dimensions, and in the long-term viability of a strategic partnership.
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