China has aggressively launched over 100 surveillance satellites in recent weeks to spy on the Malabar naval exercises between India, the US, Japan and Australia. As per reports in Australian media, this satellite deployment allows China to closely monitor the naval drills and gather intelligence on fleet formations, assets, and capabilities of the four Quad allies.
Muscle Flexing to Undermine Quad Coalition
Experts assess that China aims to intimidate the Quad countries and undermine their strategic partnership through an overt display of space power. Earlier during the Quad Summit in Japan in 2022, China had dangerously flown nuclear bombers near Japanese airspace to signal its military prowess. China and Russia are increasingly cooperating to counter the Quad in the Indo-Pacific region.
Message to India – We Are Watching
The Malabar exercises hold special significance for India, as the Indian Navy regularly participates in them. By keeping continuous surveillance, China is sending an unambiguous message to New Delhi that its naval assets and plans are under watch. However, India has refused to be cowed down by such tactics, as evidenced by its firm commitment to the Quad alliance.
China Flaunts Space Dominance with 100+ Satellites
With over 360 satellites in orbit, China possesses extensive space warfare capabilities. Though the exact number is classified, analysts assess at least 70-80 of these are dedicated military surveillance satellites constantly monitoring the Indo-Pacific. The Australian military has acknowledged they lack the capability to counter China’s pervasive spy satellite network.
Quad Allies Ramp Up Space Security
In response, the Quad allies are now prioritizing space security and resilience. The new US Space Force has units trained to disable enemy satellites. By activating this squadron, the US military has issued its own warning to China against threatening US space assets. As the space race between China and the US intensifies, future incidents and posturing between both nation’s satellites appear inevitable.
To summarize, China is using its rapidly growing space capabilities to intimidate Indo-Pacific countries and sow discord among Quad allies. However, India, US, Japan and Australia remain committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region and will look to counter China’s bullying tactics through their unified strength.
