Chinese military and government scientists see Elon Musk’s Starlink network as a serious threat. Public papers have revealed growing alarm over its global reach, US defence links, and possible military and spying uses, especially in key regions.
Chinese experts are alarmed by Starlink’s role in Ukraine, where it enabled vital battlefield communications. They worry the network could give the US a strong military edge in future wars, turning Starlink from a tech tool into a powerful geopolitical weapon.
Chinese researchers have outlined bold strategies to counter Starlink, including stealth submarines, lasers, and attack satellites. Proposals involve tailing satellites, using corrosive agents to damage hardware, and disrupting solar panels. These tactics reflect China’s resolve to curb Elon Musk’s expanding satellite network and reclaim control in the space race.
One Chinese study highlights vulnerabilities in Starlink’s supply chain. It notes over 140 first-tier suppliers and weak cybersecurity oversight. Targeting these industrial links is seen as a potential way to disrupt the satellite network indirectly, without engaging in direct military action or drawing international backlash.
Some Chinese academics have encouraged Beijing to use global regulations and diplomacy to contain Elon Musk’s Starlink network, even as military scientists continue developing active countermeasures. These soft-power strategies aim to complement China's expanding efforts in space defence.
Since 2019, Starlink has launched over 8,000 satellites, making up two-thirds of all active satellites. Now active in 140+ countries, its unmatched scale gives Elon Musk’s SpaceX near-monopoly status in satellite internet services worldwide.
SpaceX is closely tied to US defence and intelligence agencies—handling NASA missions, military satellite launches, and spy networks. China views this partnership as a threat, seeing Starlink as an arm of American geopolitical and surveillance dominance.
Elon Musk’s shifting political alliances—from backing Donald Trump to meddling in European politics—have raised concerns globally. His refusal to extend Starlink over Crimea during Ukraine’s counterattack intensified doubts about depending on his systems in high-stakes situations.
While some US analysts argue that China may be overstating the Starlink threat, such views haven't slowed the intense domestic discourse. One Chinese research paper summed up the alarm with a blunt warning: “Watch out for that Starlink”—capturing Beijing’s deepening strategic concerns over Musk’s satellite empire.
