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The Chinese contractor, CGWIC, had initially courted Indonesia with enticing offers, including cheap financing, promises of broad support for its space ambitions, and the geopolitical influence of Beijing.capitalized on the opportunity to showcase its launch reliability, cost-effective reusable rockets, and the personal relationship Musk fostered with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
The global space industry is witnessing fierce competition for dominance, with the satellite market alone valued at $281 billion in 2022. China, having launched a record 67 rockets last year, is a formidable player, with the majority handled by CGWIC. U.S. military officials raise concerns about China's intentions in space, alleging espionage and an increase in military capabilities. In response, China dismisses these claims as a smear, accusing the U.S. of using such concerns to expand its influence in space.