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SpyTalk

Space Spies and China’s New Move

Apr 28, 2022
Former Head of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Robert Cardillo, discusses anti-satellite warfare and Oval Office briefings. Mollie Saltskog analyzes China's stealth move into the Solomon Islands. They explore the potential threat to nearby countries and China's increasing influence in the Pacific. They also discuss ways to disable satellite capabilities and the changing culture in the intelligence community regarding the sharing of satellite imagery.
45:11

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The secret agreement between China and the Solomon Islands raises concerns about China's potential establishment of military facilities in the region, posing a threat to nearby countries.
  • Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the United States commits to not conducting destructive direct-ascent anti-satellite missile tests, promoting alternative methods to ensure the peaceful use of space.

Deep dives

China's Secret Agreement with Solomon Islands Raises Concerns

The Solomon Islands have signed a secret agreement with China that allows for the deployment of Chinese law enforcement, paramilitary police, and military personnel on the islands. This raises concerns among close observers, as it could lead to China establishing military airfields and ports in the region, posing a potential threat to Australia, New Zealand, and nearby countries. The vague and secretive nature of the agreement, coupled with China's history of economic and political inroads in other countries, fuels fears that this could undermine the sovereignty and stability of the Solomon Islands, and negatively impact regional security.

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