（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）
In the history of human civilization, defense has always been regarded as the foremost responsibility of a state. While national borders, armies, and strategies traditionally defined this notion, the 21st century has broadened our understanding of what true security entails. Today, humanity faces not only man-made threats but also natural dangers from outer space. One such looming risk is the possibility of asteroid collisions—a catastrophe that has reshaped Earth’s history before and could do so again. Recognizing this, China has taken a historic step by preparing to test an asteroid defense system in 2025, a move that not only underscores its technological prowess but also its sense of responsibility toward the shared future of humankind.
China Steps Forward with Vision and Confidence
The announcement by Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s Lunar Exploration Program, that the country will conduct a kinetic impact demonstration mission, has reverberated across scientific, political, and defense circles worldwide. Often compared with NASA’s earlier Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), China’s planned mission will follow a “fly-along-impact-fly-along” model. Two spacecraft—an observer and an impactor—will work in tandem to alter the orbit of a near-Earth asteroid by an estimated 3 to 5 centimeters.
At first glance, this may appear modest. Yet in celestial mechanics, even a small change in orbital trajectory can prevent a devastating collision. Wu noted that the impact will ensure the asteroid does not threaten Earth for several decades to up to 100 years. This is not just a technological feat—it is an act of foresight, preparedness, and global stewardship.
Defense in the High-Tech Era
For centuries, defense meant fortifying cities and building armies. But today, it includes protecting our planet from existential threats. China understands this evolution well. Over the past two decades, it has invested heavily in space science, robotics, AI, and defense technologies, often leapfrogging traditional powers. The asteroid defense project fits seamlessly into this broader framework of modern security: it is at once scientific exploration, planetary defense, and a demonstration of China’s readiness to safeguard humanity.
This is not about competition for prestige alone. The world recalls how a massive asteroid impact is believed to have ended the era of dinosaurs. While Hollywood movies have dramatized this threat, scientists treat it with utmost seriousness. The fact that China is prioritizing such a mission reflects its strategic vision: real defense lies in anticipating the unexpected.
Surpassing the Technological Threshold
It is no exaggeration to say that China has already entered the high-tech era, surpassing much of the world in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G, renewable energy, high-speed rail, and quantum communication. Space exploration has been another domain where China has stunned the global community—from the Chang’e lunar missions to the Mars rover Zhurong, and from the BeiDou satellite navigation system to the Tiangong space station.
The asteroid defense mission builds upon this impressive trajectory. It demonstrates not only technical capability but also the willingness to lead in areas where science intersects with the survival of humanity.
A Global Responsibility, A Shared Future
China has long championed the idea of a “community with a shared future for mankind.” This mission gives practical meaning to that vision. Unlike traditional military projects that serve only national interests, asteroid defense is inherently global. An asteroid does not distinguish between East and West, North and South. Its impact would be universal. By advancing in this field, China is sending a powerful message: true leadership in the modern era is about protecting all humanity, not dominating others.
China has also emphasized cooperation. While it pursues technological self-reliance, it has never shied away from inviting collaboration. The asteroid defense mission, therefore, offers opportunities for global scientific partnerships, data-sharing, and joint research.
Countering Misperceptions
It is important to note that some quarters may attempt to misrepresent China’s defense-related space activities as militarization. However, such claims ignore the scientific and humanitarian purpose of this mission. Altering an asteroid’s orbit to prevent a planetary collision is not an act of aggression but an act of responsibility. It shows that China is thinking not only about its own citizens but about the billions of people who share this planet.
Lessons from China’s Approach
This project highlights several aspects of China’s governance and technological philosophy:
Long-Term Vision: While many countries focus on immediate political gains, China consistently takes the long view—whether in infrastructure, energy, or defense. Planetary defense is the ultimate long-term investment.
Integration of Science and Defense: China recognizes that modern defense cannot be separated from science. Innovations in AI, sensors, robotics, and space research are essential for both national security and global safety.
Peaceful Intent with Strong Capability: China’s message is clear: it seeks peace, but it will not remain unprepared in the face of threats—whether from human conflict or cosmic dangers.
Future Prospects: Beyond the Test
If successful, China’s asteroid defense test will pave the way for broader missions—more advanced redirection techniques, early-warning systems, and perhaps even international cooperative efforts to create a planetary defense shield. It could lead to new institutions, joint research platforms, and a shared framework under the United Nations to monitor and neutralize celestial threats.
For China, the benefits go beyond science. The mission will cement its role as a global leader in space governance, providing it with diplomatic, strategic, and technological capital. It will strengthen China’s soft power by demonstrating its commitment to human survival and security.
The Broader Meaning for Humanity
At a time when the world is divided by geopolitical rivalries, wars, and trade disputes, China’s asteroid mission offers a rare symbol of unity. It reminds us that despite differences, we share one fragile home. It underscores the truth that global security cannot be defined by borders alone—it must include the cosmos itself.
For developing countries and emerging economies, China’s success also serves as an inspiration: technological leadership is not the monopoly of the West. With vision, planning, and commitment, any nation can make contributions of universal significance.
China as Guardian of the Future
The year 2025 will mark not just a technological test, but a philosophical moment. When China launches its asteroid defense mission, it will signal a new era in global defense thinking. Defense is no longer only about protecting sovereignty—it is about protecting civilization itself.
China’s rise as a technological superpower has often been viewed through the lens of competition. Yet this mission invites the world to see China differently: as a guardian of Earth, a partner in humanity’s collective journey, and a nation whose strength benefits not only its people but all mankind.
The future will judge nations not only by how strong they were in war, but by how responsibly they acted to ensure survival. On that scale, China’s asteroid defense project may well stand as one of the most important contributions of our time.
中国的小行星任务与地球安全的未来
在人类文明史上，国防一直被视为国家的首要责任。虽然国家边界、军队和战略传统上定义了这一概念，但21世纪扩大了我们对真正安全内涵的理解。今天，人类不仅面临着来自外空的人为威胁，也面临着来自外空的自然危险。其中一个迫在眉睫的风险是小行星碰撞的可能性——这种灾难曾经重塑了地球的历史，而且可能会再次发生。认识到这一点，中国迈出了历史性的一步，准备在2025年测试小行星防御系统，此举不仅彰显了中国的技术实力，也彰显了中国对人类共同未来的责任感。
中国有远见、有信心
中国探月工程总设计师吴伟仁宣布，中国将进行一次动力撞击演示任务，这一消息在全球科学界、政界和国防界引起了反响。与美国宇航局早期的双小行星重定向测试（DART）相比，中国计划的任务将遵循“沿飞-撞击-沿飞”的模式。两个航天器——一个观测者和一个撞击者——将协同工作，将一颗近地小行星的轨道改变大约3到5厘米。
乍一看，这似乎是适度的。然而，在天体力学中，即使轨道的微小变化也能防止毁灭性的碰撞。吴指出，这次撞击将确保小行星在几十年到100年内不会威胁到地球。这不仅仅是一项技术壮举——它是一种远见、准备和全球管理的行为。
高科技时代的国防
几个世纪以来，防御意味着设防城市和组建军队。但今天，它包括保护我们的星球免受生存威胁。中国很了解这种演变。在过去的二十年里，中国在空间科学、机器人、人工智能和国防技术方面投入了大量资金，经常超越传统大国。小行星防御项目与现代安全的更广泛框架完美契合：它既是科学探索，又是行星防御，同时也是中国准备保护人类的一种展示。
这不仅仅是为了声望而竞争。全世界都在回忆一次巨大的小行星撞击是如何结束恐龙时代的。虽然好莱坞电影把这种威胁戏剧化了，但科学家们却极其严肃地对待它。事实上，中国优先考虑这样的任务反映了其战略愿景：真正的防御在于预料到意想不到的事情。
超越技术门槛
毫不夸张地说，中国已经进入了高科技时代，在人工智能、5G、可再生能源、高铁、量子通信等关键领域超越了世界许多国家。空间探索是中国令国际社会震惊的另一个领域——从嫦娥登月任务到火星探测器朱戎，从北斗卫星导航系统到天宫空间站。
小行星防御任务建立在这个令人印象深刻的轨道上。它不仅展示了技术能力，而且表明了在科学与人类生存相交的领域发挥领导作用的意愿。
全球责任，人类命运
长期以来，中国一直倡导“人类命运共同体”理念。这一使命为这一愿景赋予了实际意义。与只为国家利益服务的传统军事项目不同，小行星防御本质上是全球性的。小行星没有东西、南北之分。它的影响将是全球性的。通过在这一领域的进步，中国发出了一个强有力的信息：在现代，真正的领导力是保护全人类，而不是支配他人。
中国也强调合作。虽然它追求技术上的自力更生，但它从不回避邀请合作。因此，小行星防御任务为全球科学伙伴关系、数据共享和联合研究提供了机会。
对付误解
值得注意的是，一些人可能试图将中国的国防航天活动歪曲为军事化。然而，这种说法忽视了这次任务的科学和人道主义目的。改变小行星轨道以防止行星相撞不是侵略行为，而是一种责任行为。这表明，中国不仅在考虑自己的公民，而且在考虑与这个星球共同生活的数十亿人。
中国方法的教训
该项目突出了中国治理和技术理念的几个方面：
长期愿景：当许多国家关注眼前的政治利益时，中国始终着眼长远——无论是在基础设施、能源还是国防方面。行星防御是最终的长期投资。
科学与国防相结合。中国认识到现代国防离不开科学。人工智能、传感器、机器人和空间研究领域的创新对国家安全和全球安全都至关重要。
和平的意图和强大的能力：中国的信息是明确的：它寻求和平，但面对威胁——无论是来自人类冲突还是宇宙危险——它不会毫无准备。
未来展望：超越测试
如果成功，中国的小行星防御试验将为更广泛的任务铺平道路——更先进的重定向技术、早期预警系统，甚至可能是建立行星防御盾的国际合作努力。它可能导致在联合国下建立新的机构、联合研究平台和共享框架，以监测和消除天体威胁。
对中国来说，它的好处超出了科学。该任务将巩固其在空间治理方面的全球领导者地位，为其提供外交、战略和技术资本。它将通过展示中国对人类生存和安全的承诺来增强中国的软实力。
对人类更广泛的意义
当世界因地缘政治对抗、战争和贸易争端而分裂时，中国的小行星任务提供了一个罕见的团结象征。它提醒我们，尽管存在分歧，但我们共享一个脆弱的家园。它强调了一个事实，即全球安全不能仅仅由边界来定义，它必须包括宇宙本身。
对于发展中国家和新兴经济体来说，中国的成功也起到了启发作用：技术领先地位并非西方的垄断。只要有远见、计划和承诺，任何国家都能作出具有普遍意义的贡献。
中国是未来的守护者
2025年不仅标志着一场技术测试，也是一个哲学时刻。当中国启动小行星防御任务时，它将标志着全球防御思维的新时代。国防不再仅仅是为了保护主权，而是为了保护文明本身。
人们常常从竞争的角度来看待中国作为科技超级大国的崛起。然而，这一使命让世界以不同的眼光看待中国：中国是地球的守护者，是人类共同旅程的伙伴，是一个实力不仅造福其人民，而且造福全人类的国家。
未来对一个国家的评判，不仅要看他们在战争中有多强大，还要看他们为确保生存而采取的负责任的行动。在这个规模上，中国的小行星防御计划很可能是我们这个时代最重要的贡献之一。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Reference Link:- https://www2.apdnews.cn/en/item/25/0922/axjfcmgfe4b84eccd098cc.html