China strengthened its position in the global space race with the 10 December 2025 launch of the Lijian-1 rocket, which deployed nine satellites into Sun-synchronous orbit in a single mission. This launch came just two days after another major operation, demonstrating Beijing’s growing ability to conduct high-frequency, commercially relevant, and geopolitically significant missions.
Earlier this week, China carried out the Long March 8A launch, an event we analyzed in detail in our article titled “How China’s Long March 8A Launch Positions Guowang as a Strategic Rival to Starlink” — a mission that lifted China’s broadband satellite ambitions.
You can read that analysis here: [Insert Link].
Taken together, these back-to-back launches reflect a deliberate acceleration in China’s space strategy. Beijing is not simply increasing the number of satellites in orbit; it is shaping the future architecture of commercial, civil, and geopolitical spacepower across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
A Mission Designed to Expand China’s Global Influence
The nine satellites launched aboard Lijian-1 include a mix of Earth-observation platforms, environmental monitors, power-grid surveillance tools, and international payloads from the UAE, Egypt, and Nepal. This diverse manifest demonstrates China’s ability to tailor its launch services to both domestic objectives and the strategic needs of emerging space nations.
For global partners, the appeal of launching with China is clear:
•Lower operational and manufacturing costs
•Rapid timelines suitable for modern satellite cycles
•Freedom from Western political constraints
•Access to advanced remote-sensing and hyperspectral capabilities
This dual-track approach — supporting foreign customers while reinforcing China’s internal intelligence capabilities — is reshaping the geopolitical dynamics of the global satellite market.
Strengthening China’s Strategic Advantages at Home
Several of the Chinese satellites launched in this mission enhance China’s domestic systems in critical sectors:
•High-resolution imaging satellites support agriculture, disaster management, land surveillance, and national security insights.
•A power-grid monitoring satellite improves oversight of critical energy infrastructure.
•Smart-city and water-resource satellites feed urban-management and environmental programs.
These assets highlight China’s intent to use civilian satellites to support civil–military integration, a core principle of Beijing’s national development strategy. By improving the precision, frequency, and diversity of satellite data, China strengthens both its governance model and its military situational awareness.
A New Layer of Geopolitical Reach
The Lijian-1 launch offers clear geopolitical signals across several regions:
1. Middle East
The UAE’s hyperspectral satellite marks another step in China–UAE space cooperation, giving the Gulf nation advanced Earth-observation tools while deepening Beijing’s foothold in the region.
2. Africa
Egypt’s SPNEX satellite strengthens China–Africa technology partnerships, reinforcing China’s long-term presence in North Africa and complementing Belt and Road initiatives.
3. South Asia
By helping Nepal launch its CubeSat, China quietly expands influence in a region where India traditionally held sway. The Asia space race is now shaped not just by India’s ISRO, but by China’s growing commercial advantage.
4. Global Competition
As China increases launch frequency and offers competitively priced rideshare missions, it challenges Western dominance in space access, particularly that of SpaceX, Arianespace, and ISRO.
These shifts reflect a broader trend: China’s strategy is not only technical — it is geopolitical. Access to orbit has become a diplomatic tool, and China is using it effectively.
Strategic Connection Between the Two December Launches
The earlier Long March 8A mission strengthened China’s ambitions in broadband megaconstellations, positioning its Guowang network as a direct competitor to Starlink. That launch was a statement of China’s intent to contest Western dominance in satellite internet.
In contrast, the Lijian-1 mission expands China’s Earth-observation and international space-cooperation footprint.
Together, the two launches show:
•China’s broadband ambitions (Guowang)
•China’s commercial EO influence (Lijian-1)
•China’s accelerating launch cadence
•China’s geopolitical assertiveness in space
To understand the full context, readers are encouraged to explore our analysis of the earlier Long March 8A mission: [Insert Link].
Conclusion
The 10 December 2025 Lijian-1 mission is not just another launch; it is a clear indication of China’s intent to define the future of orbital strategy. By placing nine satellites into orbit — including several for international partners — China is:
•strengthening global alliances
•expanding its control over satellite data streams
•challenging Western and regional competitors
•increasing its influence across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
With two major launches in the same week, China is demonstrating more than technological capability. It is showing the political will to accelerate into a new phase of space competition — one that blends commerce, diplomacy, and strategic power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is China conducting two launches in the same week?
China is increasing launch frequency to match global competitors and strengthen its position in the global satellite market. High-cadence operations allow Beijing to deploy satellites faster, expand commercial influence, and demonstrate reliability.
2. What is the significance of the Lijian-1 rocket?
Lijian-1 is a cost-effective launcher optimized for small satellites and rideshare missions. Its advanced avionics and precision deployment make it ideal for multi-payload launches, supporting China’s commercial and strategic goals.
3. How does this launch connect with the Long March 8A mission earlier this month?
The Long March 8A mission boosted China’s Guowang broadband constellation, strengthening China’s challenge to Starlink.
The Lijian-1 mission expands China’s Earth-observation and international partnerships.
Together, they mark a coordinated strategy to dominate multiple layers of orbital capability.
4. Why are countries like the UAE, Egypt, and Nepal choosing China for satellite launches?
China offers affordable launches, fast manufacturing cycles, advanced imaging technology, and no political conditions. This makes Beijing an attractive partner for developing nations entering the emerging space economy.
5. How does this mission strengthen China’s geopolitical influence?
Each foreign satellite launched by China deepens long-term partnerships. Nations become reliant on China for data, upgrades, and future launches — extending Beijing’s diplomatic influence far beyond its borders.
6. What does China gain from launching satellites for other countries?
China gains expanded influence, recurring revenue, control over key data flows, and a leadership role in space governance. These relationships reinforce China’s broader geopolitical strategy across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
7. Is China challenging Western dominance in space?
Yes. With more frequent launches, growing commercial services, and widening international partnerships, China is emerging as a serious competitor to SpaceX, the EU, and ISRO.
