The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Tuesday that China will establish a coordinated ground and space-based monitoring system for near-Earth asteroids to provide early-warning and monitoring support for planetary defense against potential asteroid impacts.

The risk of near-Earth asteroid impacts is regarded as a potential threat and a common challenge facing all humanity. According to the United Nations, June 30 is observed each year as International Asteroid Day.

As a responsible major space-faring nation, China is advancing plans for its asteroid defense system. Effective planetary defense requires early warning, with integrated ground and space-based monitoring network at the core.

As of June 2026, more than 40,000 near-Earth asteroids had been discovered and cataloged globally. Although none has been confirmed to be on a definite collision course with Earth, many smaller celestial bodies have yet to be detected.

China has made initial breakthroughs in early-warning models and algorithms for asteroid impact risks, and is developing an operational near-Earth asteroid risk warning system.