The world's most populous nation views space as an asset, not only from a technological and commercial perspective but also from a political one. The repercussions of this ideology already extend far beyond Washington. China vs. the United States explores future Chinese aspirations in space and the implications of a looming space race. Dr. Seedhouse provides background information on the fifteen-year history of the China National Space Administration and its long list of accomplishments. Sino-U.S. technological and commercial interests in space are discussed, including their interest in encouraging a potential space race. The national security objectives of the U.S. and China are also examined.

Section 1, High frontier politics: Rising dragon -- US and China space policy -- Section 2, Dark arena: Space warfare doctrine -- Military space assets -- Exploding China's dreams -- Section 3, The second space race: Chinese and American space exploration programs -- Current and future hardware -- Manned spaceflight experience -- Section 4, Why cooperation won't work and why a new space race is looming: The case for and against collaboration with China -- The imminent space race. -- Appendix I: Orbits -- Appendix II: Outer space treaty -- Appendix III: Space weapon technology and program.