China has taken its place at the forefront of spacefaring nations: it joins only the United States and Russia in operating an independent manned space program. As a developing country this is a major feat. Moreover, its space program is a full-spectrum, comprehensive concept. From microsatellites to manned space missions, from satellite and rocket design to launch capabilities, it spans both civilian and military requirements.
"China's space program: A strategic and political analysis,"
Culture Mandala: The Bulletin of the Centre for East-West Cultural and Economic Studies:
1, Article 1.
Available at: http://epublications.bond.edu.au/cm/vol7/iss1/1