China’s Capabilities in Space: A Conversation with Kari Bingen

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, we are joined by Ms. Kari Bingen to discuss U.S.-China competition in space and Beijing’s ambitions in the domain. Ms. Bingen explains that space has become a more important domain for a variety of actors with security and economic interests. China has rapidly expanded its space program and, as Ms. Bingen details, seeks a preeminent position among countries with space capabilities. Lastly, Ms. Bingen reveals the need for cooperation in space to establish norms for behavior and counter malign actors. 

Kari Bingen is the director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. She joined CSIS from HawkEye 360, an innovative space technology company creating a new class of radio frequency data and analytics. Prior to the private sector, Ms. Bingen served as the deputy undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security, overseeing the defense intelligence and security enterprises, comprising more than 120,000 personnel and an annual budget of over $54 billion. Before that, she served as the policy director on the House Armed Services Committee and staff lead for its Strategic Forces Subcommittee, advising members of Congress on defense policy, program, and budget matters. In addition to her work at CSIS, Ms. Bingen is an adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University.