China Criticizes SpaceX Starshield Program

The Chinese military has responded critically to the report that SpaceX is developing a space-based espionage network for the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). China is actively developing its space assets with Chinese military involvement. Pamir assesses that China will seek to strengthen its space capabilities through domestic innovation and acquisition of foreign technology and know-how. As targets of Chinese efforts to acquire relevant foreign technology, US aerospace firms are advised to enhance insider risk monitoring capabilities and safeguard access to intellectual property and sensitive information.

On 15 March, Reuters reported that the SpaceX Starshield unit is developing a space-based espionage network for the NRO under a classified $1.8 billion contract. 

• According to the report, the network will be comprised of hundreds of satellites that will be used to develop space-based surveillance systems.
• The NRO acknowledged its mission to develop space-based surveillance systems but declined to comment on SpaceX’s involvement.

On 17 March, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) social media account posted criticisms of the US, accusing it of creating threats to global security. 

• The post said the Starshield program exposes US “shamelessness and double standards” in advocating non-military use of space and accusing Chinese companies of threatening US national security.
• The post added, “All countries worldwide should be vigilant and defend against new and even bigger security threats created by the US government. We urge US companies to not help a villain do evil.”

Chinese military experts believe that the space arms race involving the US, China, Russia, India, Japan, and other countries is accelerating. Chinese leader XI Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the need for China to actively respond to potential threats in space. China has been developing its own space capabilities with direct Chinese military involvement.

• In January, Nikkei Asia reported that China will start building its own version of Starlink in 2024, with plans to launch approximately 26,000 satellites to achieve global coverage; the effort will be led by China’s state-owned companies.
• The PLA has established an extensive intelligence gathering satellite network that collects optical and signals intelligence, with the deployment of microsatellites that perform imaging, navigation, and communication functions.
• In 2015 China established the Strategic Support Force to oversee Chinese military assets and operations in emerging technology sectors, including those connected to space such as satellite reconnaissance, space launches, and manned space programs.

Chinese military experts have also been monitoring how Ukraine uses SpaceX’s Starlink internet service in its war with Russia. These experts warn that SpaceX assets pose potential risks to China, especially in a Taiwan military conflict scenario.

• On 24 February, Congressman Mike Gallagher, former Chairman of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the US and the Chinese Communist Party, said in a letter to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, “SpaceX is possibly withholding broadband internet services in and around Taiwan – possibly in breach of SpaceX’s contractual obligations with the US government.” 
• On 26 February, SpaceX responded that it was “in full compliance with all of its US government contracts.”
• The Taiwan government reportedly committed $1.3 billion to its space program with plans to develop a micro-satellite constellation in the next five years. In November 2023 Taiwan signed a contract with oneWeb, a subsidiary of Eutelesat Group, to provide low-orbit satellite internet coverage for Taiwan.