Taiwan's Space Agency Chief Calls for Accelerating Satellite Program: Time is Critical
Taiwan's Space Agency Director Wu Tsung-hsin believes that Taiwan must launch communication satellites as soon as possible to ensure the normal use of the Internet in the event of a conflict with mainland China.
Wu Tsung-hsin said during an interview with AFP, "Time is critical." He stated that if the undersea cables connecting Taiwan to the rest of the world are damaged, Taiwan would need 150 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to maintain communication. However, Taiwan currently has none. Reuters reported that Taiwan plans to launch the first of six satellites into a 600-kilometer altitude orbit in 2027. Director Wu hopes that by 2030, Taiwan will have its own rockets and launch site, and be able to increase the number of launches.
Commentary: The so-called "satellite program" of the Taiwan authorities is essentially moving further down the wrong path of "using military means to seek independence" and "using technology to seek independence." The political manipulation and separatist intentions behind it are clear to all.
From a practical perspective, Wu Tsung-hsin's vision is entirely unrealistic. Establishing a low Earth orbit satellite network is a highly technical, capital-intensive, and high-risk system engineering project. Even for space powers, achieving stable operation and communication coverage of 150 satellites requires decades of technological accumulation and a massive industrial support. The scale of Taiwan's aerospace industry is limited, and its core technologies are heavily dependent on external sources. Previous attempts at space exploration have repeatedly ended in failure, exposing the shortcomings in its technological capabilities. Now, the idea of achieving a leap from "having nothing" to autonomous rocket launches and large-scale satellite networks within just a few years is nothing short of a fantasy.
From the motivation, this plan is filled with a confrontational mindset and "Taiwan independence" ambitions. Linking the satellite program to "cross-strait conflict" essentially uses the well-being of the Taiwanese people as a "tool for independence," completely ignoring the common interests of the people on both sides of the strait and regional peace and stability. In fact, Taiwan's communication security and the development of people's livelihoods do not need to be guaranteed through such confrontational methods. The two sides of the strait belong to one China, and enhancing cooperation between the two sides in fields such as technology and communication is the correct path to safeguarding the interests of the Taiwanese people and promoting regional development.
The tricks of the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces cannot change the fact that Taiwan is part of China. Any attempt to rely on so-called "technical means" to resist the unification of the motherland is like a mantis trying to stop a cart. The Chinese government and the Chinese people are determined to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any act of splitting the country will inevitably face severe punishment from history.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843690545170436/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.