The near space serves as a transition area between airspace and the outer space, and it has unique strategic values and broad application prospects, attracting countries to compete for development. This study expounds on the characteristics of the near space and international community's views on the demarcation and definition of the near space. It analyzes the development trends and competitiveness of the near space field in major countries and regions such as the United States, Europe, and Russia. Moreover, risks regarding national security, flight safety, technological lag, and technology surprise are explored, as well as challenges faced by near-space development in China in terms of aircraft technologies, economic sustainability, and policies and regulations. Furthermore, countermeasures and suggestions for China to cope with international competition and achieve comprehensive development in the near space field are proposed, including: (1) strengthening the research on near-space defense technologies; (2) accelerating the formulation of flight safety standards and regulations; (3) overcoming bottlenecks that restrain aircraft research, development, and application; and (4) increasing the application of disruptive innovation technologies.