A Research On Russia’s Outer Space Security Strategy Under The Background In The International Arms Control

Outer space with valuable resources and unique environment has a tremendousmilitary value in modern war, which is regarded by military powers as "commandingheights". In order to takie advantageous positions in outer space and maintain theirhomeland security, countries are busy with the deployment of weapons in outer space.The weaponization of outer space is irresistible. In recent years, the outer space securityhas already been paid increasing attention by the international community. To ensurethe outer space security is mainly about making sure that every country can pass theouter space in and out, and make use of outer space resources equally and safely, andeliminating a variety of threats confronted in space system. The essence is to control thespace effectively.The former Soviet Union is the first country to launch a satellite in the world,having abundant space industry and advanced space technology. During the cold war ithad been following a space leading development strategy to compete with the UnitedStates for political and military needs. After the cold war, Russia still put thedevelopment of space power as its priority since the importance of the outer spacesecurity to the national security becomes increasingly prominent. However, the startingpoint of its development of space power has transformed from bipolar hegemony intosafeguarding the country’s status, suppressing aggression into the allies and ensuringthe military security of the allies. In the background of international arms control, tocope with the aggressive United States in the outer space, Russia readjusts its outerspace security strategy through improving space strength continuously, especially theouter space defense ability to fight against attacks from enemies in outer space. Thedevelopment of Russian outer space forces is significant in maintaining its own security,keeping the low level strategic balance with America and suppressing NATO’s eastwardexpansion to some extend, which becomes an effective factor to maintain internationalpeace and stability. However, the United States is seeking hegemony and absolutefreedom in outer space, especially deploying missile defense system in Eastern Europe,which can easily impose Russia take asymmetric means to respond and reduce thestrategic stability between Russia and the U.S. In turn, Russia develops its defensiveweapons, which will more or less alert America. Although Russia may not expand, itcan easily lead to an arms race in outer space, threatening outer space security andinternational stability.Outer space is the common wealth of mankind. The international communityshould work together to maintain its security and make peaceful use of outer space, inwhich aspect Russia and China have some common interests. The two countries inrecent years continuously strengthen cooperation, urge outer space arms control negotiations through promoting the establishment of outer space special committee inthe United Nations, prevent weaponzation through sending out relevant documentsprohibiting the deployment of weapons in outer space, and urge the formation of outerspace arms control international treaty through submitting various draft. The twocountries has made some achievements in the cooperation of the outer space armscontrol, but the advantageous position of the United States in the outer space and somereality factors have some negative influence on the outer space arms control cooperationbetween two countries. Overall, the two countries’ cooperation in promoting the outerspace arms control not only helps to deepen the two countries strategic partnership, butalso contributes to constructing a new type of outer space international cooperationrelations.