The SpaceX founder and CEO has been tipped to lead a new “department of government efficiency” when Trump takes office in January, but is expected to influence Washington’s space policies.

The rivalry appears to extend beyond scientific discovery and commercial innovation to leadership in the interstellar arena, raising concerns about potential strategic position in the orbital domain.

Analysts said Beijing must maintain its strategic focus and avoid entering a space, hi-tech or arms race with the US.

Instead, China should continue with its aerospace projects as planned while learning from SpaceX’s strengths and seeking cooperation with the US, where the two powers could work together in the field, they said.

During his first presidency, Trump launched the Space Force – an independent branch of the armed forces – and signed an executive order requiring NASA to return the US to the moon and reach Mars.