Geopolitics and Space Cooperation: China and South America

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the cooperation between China and South America in the space field departing from two questions: 1) What is the place of space policy in Chinese geopolitical strategy and how is the South American region relevant in that context? 2) Is this a case of South-South cooperation? To answer these questions, we use a geopolitical approach and take into account three factors: (1) Chinese political or economic conditions (2) the degree of technology transfer (3) whether there is a transfer of sovereignty. As a result of this study, we conclude that Chinese space policy is an essential part of its global expansion strategy, but that it is selective in South America, insofar as it focuses on some countries; and that despite claims of establishing a 'horizontal' cooperation, the relationship in the space field is rather asymmetrical.