Lecture and panel
CKN Knowledge Session: China and Security Developments in Space
- Date
- Tuesday 17 February 2026
- Time
- 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
