You are likely correct, sir
If they want to dominate space, those nations don't strike me as
worrying too much about public opinion or the environment. They will
use whatever means works best and most efficiently for them first.
China's 2007 anti-sat test is a prime example here. They weren't
worried about polluting LEO, they destroyed that satellite to make a
point to the world, especially the USA.
Look how the Soviets acted in terms of space and nuclear energy in
their heyday. The people and environment always came second.