New Delhi, Nov 7 – A recent report highlights growing cooperation between China and Pakistan in the space sector, pointing to gaps in international space governance. The report suggests India should take a leading role in reforming laws for responsible space activities, especially as dual-use technologies are being exploited.
The 'India Narrative' report raises concerns about legal loopholes in international space laws and how dual-use technologies could undermine security. It emphasizes that the China-Pakistan space relationship goes beyond satellite launches, hinting at Beijing's broader strategy to include anti-India states in its orbit.
Data protection is another key concern. Pakistani satellites can image Indian civil and military facilities, and data collected might fall outside current Indian regulatory frameworks. The Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation (APSCO), a China-promoted alliance with Pakistan as a founding member, further solidifies this Sino-Pakistani connection.
Pakistan's launch of the PRSC-EO3 satellite from China and its 'Space Vision 2047' plan show deepening ties. The transfer of dual-use technologies, like China's BeiDou navigation system, integrated into Pakistan and extended to military cooperation, is particularly worrying. The report notes that China's announcement of a BeiDou-enabled radar network in Pakistan exposes a gap in international space law.
Existing international agreements, such as the Outer Space Treaty, do not directly address indirect militarization or the responsibility linked to transferring dual-use technologies that might be used for military purposes. Reports indicate terrorists in Kashmir use BeiDou-based satellite communication, and Pakistan could similarly use imaging satellites or communication relays for hostile actions.
Disclaimer: This story is sourced from a syndicated agency feed and has been refined using artificial intelligence to improve readability. Please note that this article was published automatically and has not undergone a human editorial review.
