Japan is eyeing a new space development policy with a greater focus on security, taking into account China's rapidly growing space capabilities, a draft document of the policy showed Wednesday.
In the draft, the government expresses concern that its information-gathering capabilities could be undermined and the Self-Defense Forces may not be able to operate fully if satellites are attacked, touching on tests carried out by China in recent years to destroy satellites.
The government is expected to endorse the draft 10-year Basic Plan on Space Policy later this year after discussing the content with the ruling parties. The current policy was decided in January 2013.