BEIJING. The Chinese military and state-run media have launched scathing criticisms against the United States, alleging a threat to global security in the wake of a recent Reuters report revealing Elon Musk’s SpaceX involvement in constructing hundreds of spy satellites for a U.S. intelligence agency.
According to the Reuters report published on Friday, SpaceX’s Starshield unit is engaged in developing a satellite network under a classified $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The report, citing five sources familiar with the program, sparked a swift and stern response from China.
In a statement issued on Sunday, a social media account affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) denounced the SpaceX program as a display of “shamelessness and double standards” by the United States, particularly in light of Washington’s accusations against Chinese tech companies. The account, Junzhengping, with 1.1 million followers on social media platform Weibo, urged U.S. companies to refrain from assisting in what it termed as “evil” actions.
“All countries worldwide should be vigilant and protect against new and even bigger security threats created by the U.S. government,” the statement read, underlining China’s concerns over potential repercussions of the satellite project.
Wang Yanan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge, voiced similar apprehensions, labeling the SpaceX satellite initiative as “a challenge to global security and stability.” In an interview with The Global Times, a Chinese state-controlled newspaper, Wang emphasized the likelihood of increased sensitivity and escalation of international tensions due to the United States’ intensified intelligence reconnaissance efforts.
Elon Musk, whose other ventures include electric vehicle maker Tesla with significant operations in China, was not explicitly mentioned in the official statements. Neither Junzhengping nor the Global Times referenced Musk or Tesla.
While the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop space-based surveillance systems in response to the Reuters report, it declined to comment on the extent of SpaceX’s involvement. Likewise, SpaceX, the world’s largest satellite operator, remained silent despite multiple requests for comment regarding the contract.
It’s worth noting that the planned Starshield network is distinct from Starlink, SpaceX’s expanding commercial broadband constellation aimed at providing near-global internet coverage. Chinese researchers within the PLA have reportedly studied the deployment of Starlink in the Ukrainian conflict over the past two years, raising concerns about its potential risks to China.
In light of these developments, China has expressed intentions to commence the construction of its own satellite constellations, signaling a growing space rivalry between the two global powers.
At the time of reporting, Space X, NRO, and the Pentagon had not responded to requests for comment on China’s reaction to the contract, indicating a potential escalation of tensions in the space domain.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
