Lecture and panel

CKN Knowledge Session: China and Security Developments in Space

Date: Tuesday 17 February 2026
Time: 15:30 - 17:00 hour
Address: This is a hybrid event, both online and on location: room A2.03, Schouwburgstraat 2, 2511 VA Den Haag.

Outer space is rapidly emerging as a critical domain of geopolitical and military competition. Satellites support navigation, communications, financial systems, climate monitoring and much more. At the same time, space is increasingly seen as a strategic and military domain. Countries are investing heavily in space capabilities, and satellites are becoming potential targets in times of conflict. China plays a growing role in these developments and has stated its ambition to become the world’s leading space power by 2045. In this China Knowledge Network (CKN) Knowledge Session, we will explore recent security developments in the space domain, with a particular focus on China’s ambitions, capabilities and international positioning. The session will also reflect on the implications for Europe and the Netherlands, including questions of dependence, security and strategic autonomy.

During the session, we will discuss:

Why space is becoming an important security domain
How China is shaping developments in space
What these trends mean for Europe and European policymakers

Preliminary agenda

15:15 - 15:30: Doors open
15:30 - 16:00: Presentation by dr. Sanne van der Lugt
16:00 - 16:30: Panel with policy officers
16:30 - 17:00: Q&A
17:00 - 18:00: Networking reception

About the CKN