According to a military research report from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the CCP has expressed concerns about the intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities of the “Starlink” project under the American space exploration technology company SpaceX in Taiwan and surrounding areas. Experts point out that Beijing is worried that Starlink may detect the movements of its frontline forces, leading to potential exposure during an invasion of Taiwan.
The report, as reported by the Kyodo News Agency on the 25th, states that Chinese military researchers published a report entitled “Analysis of the Impact of the Starlink Satellite Constellation on Chinese Territory and Surrounding Space” in a Chinese space technology professional journal in 2023. The report analyzed the operations of the satellite system “Starlink,” operated by the technology mogul Elon Musk’s SpaceX, in Taiwan and surrounding areas, expressing concerns about its intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities.
The analysis was conducted in preparation for a “sudden event” initiated by Beijing towards Taiwan. The Starlink system connects low-orbit satellites with portable user terminals, providing faster network services than other satellite services, and has been used by Ukraine to counter Russia’s invasion.
The report indicates that China will face a “severe test” in response to Starlink services, as the service can be used to support U.S. military operations and its operational capabilities have been “fully demonstrated” in the Ukrainian battlefield.
Furthermore, the report suggests that those engaging in “regional actions” in “hotspot areas” must pay attention to the “spatial impact” of Starlink services. Researchers apparently refer to the “escalating tension in the Taiwan Strait.”
The report also states that Starlink services cover over 90% of China, Taiwan, and the surrounding sea areas, with the longest time without satellite communication shortened to 40 seconds.
The report mentions that the number of satellites over major cities Taipei and Tainan in Taiwan is relatively low, making it “not difficult” to take measures to enhance Starlink service capabilities there.
Takahiro Tsuchiya, an associate professor at Kyoto University of Advanced Science familiar with Chinese military affairs, expressed that Beijing is concerned that Starlink may detect the movements of its frontline forces and be exposed when invading Taiwan.
Tsuchiya mentioned that China has been lagging behind in satellite communication development and has been exploring the potential of using such technology for cognitive warfare against Taiwan.
It was reported that Xi Jinping instructed the military to promote the construction of outer space systems and strengthen network defense. Observers believe that Beijing is also considering establishing its own Starlink service.
In April this year, the Chinese Ministry of Defense announced the establishment of a joint military “Information Support Force,” stating that this force is a newly created strategic service focusing on coordinating the construction and application of network information systems.
Since the comprehensive Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Ukrainian military has been using Starlink services for battlefield communication. Media reports suggest that Russia informally acquired Starlink terminals to facilitate communication in the Ukrainian areas under its control.
(Source: Central News Agency)