The People’s Republic of China is developing lasers, electromagnetic railguns and outer space “microwave” weapons for use in future wars waged with space satellites, claims Chinese military expert Richard Fisher.

In recent remarks to Congress, Fisher – a researcher from the International Assessment and Strategy Center – testified that China is pushing to produce weapons that will neutralize superior American intelligence and satellite technology. In contrast with war on land and sea waged with traditional explosives, a pitched “light war” battle could erupt in space, Fisher said.

The United States has also been working on an electromagnetic gun of its own, shown below in a military test for the U.S. Navy.

“As long as China demonstrates its willingness to exploit much of its space program for potential military missions, the US must possess options for at least neutralizing potential threats,” testified Fisher in February.

The Asia Times recently reported that a plan for a five-ton chemical laser has been submitted to Chinese military and state leaders for funding approval. If the government green-lights the project, the “space laser” could be operational by 2023.