No other country has, in the past two decades, developed its space capabilities and capacities in such an expansive way as China. Today it is mastering practically all space activities and applications and, furthermore, can set ‘firsts’ as landing on the far side of the moon. These impressive achievements make China not only an ever-important actor in outer space but also an object of research and analysis.

China’s Space Ambition – Programs, Policies and the Law allows for analysis of the separate key areas but also connects them in an enlightening way, providing a comprehensive analysis of China’s space activities. Documents, specifically translated for this study, add considerably to the value of this book, providing not only information and analysis but also food for thought to its readers. Since China is growing increasingly assertive in the international arena, such a deeper understanding is a precondition for fruitful cooperation. We will inevitably see in the near future policy and regulatory initiatives by China in international fora for issues as exploration, the global space economy, space traffic management or space security. Assessing them with a solid foundation of knowledge about China’s approach to programmes, policies and the rule of law will prove essential for a constructive dialogue. This book will certainly be of support in this endeavour.