"There is no strife, no prejudice, no national conflict in outer space as
yet. Its hazards are hostile to us all. Its conquest deserves the best of all
mankind, and its opportunity for peaceful cooperation may never come again." -
John F. Kennedy, 1962
Space is the global commons that has unprecedented opportunity for international cooperation in the areas of technology and commerce. Space is also uniquely fragile as its growing strategic importance has profound implications for military power and national security. The future relationship of the United States and China will be a critical factor in determining whether space is used for peaceful or military purposes. Yet, there is a conspicuous lack of transparency between the two countries on space activities and security goals. The China-U.S. Dialogue on Space (CUDOS) is dedicated to strengthening security in space through fostering dialogue between the two potential economic, political and military competitors in outer space.
Building on CDI's expertise in U.S. space security and its reach within China's media and policy research circles, the China-U.S. Dialogue on Space strives to enhance transparency and discussion on space between the two countries through educating the public and policy-makers on each other's space programs and long-term policies as well as fostering relevant Chinese civil society and the media. The fora to achieve these goals will include conferences to facilitate exchange among experts, commissioned research papers on critical policy subjects, media participation and translation of relevant materials on space security.
"As humanity moves forward into the 21st Century we must look to the past for lessons. Preventing the weaponization of outer space through negotiation and international agreements is essential to distance ourselves from war in space and save for our grandchildren a peaceful heavens" - Tang Jiaxuan, 2002
Opportunities
WSI China Program offers a variety opportunities and paid positions to work on and contribute to the goals of the program including internship, fellowships and scholarships for writing competitions on issues related to the China-U.S Dialogue on Space. For details please click here.
Secure World Fellowship
The Visiting Fellowship Program invites promising Chinese scholars and professionals
working in the area of space and related fields (arms control, nonproliferation,
disarmament) for a 2-6 month paid position that offers the fellow an opportunity
to conduct research and write on the compelling policy challenges facing China
and its relations with the United States in the area of space security. The fellowship
also provides the opportunity to lead workshops, publish policy briefs and interact
with a wide range of players in the area of space both from Beijing and the United
States. Visiting Fellows will receive a grant for producing an original research
paper. Fellows from outside Beijing also receive support housing and living expenses.
Internships
WSI China Program offers full-time paid internships in research, computers/web
editing and journalism for the CUDOS project. The program has internships in both
Washington D.C. and Beijing for a limited number of positions and competition
can be strong. First priority is given to filling full-time paid internships lasting
the customary length of the term.
Writing Scholarship Program
To promote knowledge and encourage participation about space issues between the
United States and China, the WSI China Program, in partnership with the Secure
World Foundation, has established an essay competition inviting students and journalists
to express their views on the compelling policy challenges facing China and its
relations with the United States in the area of space security.
