CHINA'S satellite reconnaissance capabilities are rapidly approaching those of the United States and are increasingly geared towards military use, according to a US study.

The study by Eric Hagt and Matthew Durnin, obtained by the Herald, says a war in space between the US and China could be far more devastating than one fought on Earth.

''A war in space could be far more hazardous not least because the US military and economy are highly dependent on space,'' says the paper, which will appear in the Journal of Strategic Studies.

The paper says China is increasingly focusing on the military use of satellites. It says the US still has greater capacity to track moving targets, but that the Chinese have made huge strides in their ability to observe events as they unfold.

China's growing military strength is casting a lengthening shadow over the Asia Pacific region, prompting the US to guarantee its continuing presence in the region.