Quote Originally Posted by drone View Post
I expect their program will slow down considerably once they reach our level. They will no longer have the luxury of stealing tech to advance their progress.
Likely true; once you have the missile and targeting acumen to make a space station a reality, the other gains pale in terms pay-off. Besides, outside of tourism there is not much practical point to a manned space program. Although, if any country could benefit from the potential of space colonization China's the one.

Necessity the mother of invention? I wouldn't disparage their chances too much.