China has just announced the launch of a 600 kg test satellite in the mission called ‘Mozi’ (after the Chinese philosopher). Potentially uncrackable cryptographic communications could be the result of this research. The project budget is said to be in excess of $100 billion, but how many satellites that means is unclear. What is disturbing is why they feel the need for such expensive communications infrastructure. I’ve long been concerned about Chinese global ambitions, and wrote about them in ‘Gate of Tears’, ‘Sicilian Channel’, and now ‘Sword of Allah’ (launching 19 September). What on earth would the Chinese have to do with Islamists? How about Africa?
Photo credit: Jin Liwang/Xinhua/Eyevine
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