China’s Telescopes in Thailand Boost Regional Influence
The inauguration of a new radio telescope in Chiang Mai, Thailand, jointly developed by Chinese and Thai institutions, might seem like a simple story of scientific collaboration. But peering closer reveals a more intricate picture, one that speaks to China’s evolving geopolitical strategy, its deepening technological capabilities, and the complex dance between scientific progress and national interest. As reported by the Bangkok Post, “China doubles down on building telescopes in Thailand,” with a second telescope under construction.
This isn’t just about stargazing. The 13-meter radio antenna, along with its sister telescope in southern Thailand, leverages Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), a technique that links telescopes across vast distances to create a single, Earth-sized antenna. This allows for incredibly precise measurements, not only of celestial objects, but also of the subtle movements of our own planet — crucial for improving GPS accuracy, understanding climate change, and even forecasting earthquakes.
But why Thailand? The answer, like most things in geopolitics, is multi-layered:
- Strategic Location: Thailand offers geographical advantages for deep-space observation and Earth monitoring within the VLBI network. This enhances the network’s global reach and the quality of its data.
- Diplomatic Ties: The project coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand, as noted by Chinese Academy of Sciences Vice-President Ding Chibiao. Science, in this case, serves as a tool of soft power, strengthening ties and fostering goodwill.
- Technological Advancement: This project demonstrates China’s increasing technological prowess. Successfully developing and deploying advanced telescopes overseas is a statement of intent, signaling its ambition to be a leader in space science and related technologies.
- Access and Influence: Establishing a research presence in Thailand gives China access to valuable scientific expertise and data, while simultaneously increasing its influence within the region.
The expansion of China’s scientific infrastructure into other countries reveals a pattern: using scientific collaboration to pursue broader geopolitical objectives, knitting nations closer through shared research projects that offer mutual benefit, but which also invariably extend Beijing’s reach and influence.
It’s worth remembering that scientific endeavors, even those seemingly divorced from immediate applications, often have significant implications for national security and economic competitiveness. More accurate GPS systems, for example, have clear military applications. A deeper understanding of climate change can inform policy decisions and resource management. And technological leadership in space exploration often translates to advancements in other critical sectors.
This isn’t to suggest malicious intent. Indeed, as Supachai Pathumnakul, permanent secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, pointed out, the telescope is intended to deliver high quality data for global research efforts. However, the implications of this international collaboration, both intended and unintended, warrant deeper examination. The telescopes are integrated into the Chinese VLBI Network alongside stations in Shanghai and Xinjiang and participate in international campaigns. The central question is less about nefarious intent, and more about recognizing that scientific cooperation increasingly exists within a complex web of geopolitical and economic interests.
