U.S. security officials are increasingly warning that if the United States and China clash militarily over Taiwan, combat could begin in space rather than on the ground. China is rapidly expanding its satellite forces and developing anti-satellite weapons, raising concerns that the U.S. military’s heavy reliance on space could become a vulnerability. U.S. Space Force doctrine focuses on maintaining “space superiority,” while budget plans and allied cooperation aim to counter Chinese capabilities.

U.S. President Donald Trump said AI could become a bigger industry than the internet and that regulation should not choke growth as the United States competes with China. Speaking at a White House event with crypto industry figures and financial regulators, he also backed expanding AI infrastructure, including datacentres. Trump said companies should build power plants for datacentres rather than rely on ageing grids. Opposition is rising over power bills, water use and environmental impact, prompting protests and tougher state action.