Axios Live: China is "eating our lunch in space," U.S. defense threat expert says

WASHINGTON – The U.S. is still ahead of China in military space capabilities but only by a narrow margin, speakers said at an Axios event.

Why it matters: As geopolitical tensions mount, U.S. policy and defense leaders say the country is vulnerable to cyberattacks and strategic disadvantages in space – both areas in which China is quickly catching up.

Axios' Hans Nichols and Colin Demarest spoke with Reps. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and Seth Moulton (D-Mass.); Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.); and Kari Bingen, Aerospace Security Project director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, at the Sept. 9 event. It was sponsored by United Launch Alliance.

What they're saying: "China is eating our lunch in space and we're at a vulnerable moment," Bingen said.

What's next: The U.S. is at risk from adversaries in space and cyber capabilities. "This is the most consequential threat and the most consequential competitor," Bingen said of China.

• "We have zero deterrence on cyberattacks," Slotkin said, noting that hacks from adversaries like China could endanger Americans' personal data.

The big picture: Bingen said that while she thinks the U.S. is still the leader in space prowess, China is "quick on our tail" and is intent on surpassing the American program.

• China has long been investing in technology to undercut the U.S. in areas like space and cyber, Slotkin said. "They were ahead of us on that."
• "I think that means this next couple of years, three to seven years, are a period of real vulnerability," Slotkin said.
• China has "advanced narrowly, to the point where we're almost on the same level. … We're still ahead, but just by a very narrow margin," McCaul said.

Zoom out: An increased focus on space in Congress has helped the U.S. improve its space development in recent years, but there's still work to be done, Moulton said.

• "We've done a lot to improve," Moulton said. "But the problem is our adversaries are accelerating as well."
• "There's no question that I think space is the most important warfighting demand," Moulton said.

Content from the sponsored segment:

In a View From the Top conversation, United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno emphasized the importance of space capabilities in U.S. military strategy.

• "Without space, we don't have basic military operations. It's not a force enabler anymore, it's the basic capability that allows us to operate," Bruno said.
• "So when China looks at a conflict with the U.S. here on Earth, space is the thing that levels the playing field."