The hidden man fuelling China’s military ambitions: Xiang Libin honoured for work on ‘super camera’ to aid spy satellites
Latest breakthrough means China may now be able to track missile launch sites and other targets even if they are camouflaged or hidden underground
A scientist who specialises in optics and has been developing a “super camera” for use in reconnaissance satellites has pocketed China’s top science award for his latest technological breakthrough, hinting at how formidable the nation’s military is becoming and the measures taken to keep such developments under wraps.
Hyperspectral imaging expert Xiang Libin, 49, received the prestigious gong from President Xi Jinping during the annual national science and technology awards ceremony in Beijing on Friday.
During an official group photo session with state leaders, Professor Xiang was pictured in a prominent position behind Xi, hinting at the level of importance attached to his work.
This level of official recognition suggests China may have fully acquired the technology to locate and track military targets that are usually camouflaged or hidden underground, such as missile launch sites and testing facilities for nuclear weapons.
Due to the sensitivity of the research, however, Xiang’s name did not appear on the list of award recipients; neither were his efforts trumpeted with the usual pomp and ceremony preserved for patriotic milestones by China’s state-run media.