[Source / Observer Network, Zhang Jingjuan] According to a report on the "Defense One" website on the 21st, based on an internal memo obtained by the website, the United States is urging its allies not to use Chinese satellite services, claiming that these services may be used to assist the Chinese government in obtaining military information and sensitive intelligence.

The undated internal memo from the U.S. Department of State, which the website obtained, reads, "It must be ensured that satellite services provided by untrusted suppliers such as China are not allowed to operate in your country." The memo does not specifically specify whether the restrictions apply to Western traditional allies or all U.S. trading partners, but emphasizes that the U.S. is seeking continuous cooperation with various countries to enhance the security of the "entire orbital trusted satellite communication system."

The report states that the document requires governments of various countries to "take measures to exclude untrusted satellite suppliers such as China and ensure they cannot enter the market, endanger national security, steal commercial secrets, and user privacy."

The memo claims that cooperating with Chinese enterprises operating low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites may help the Chinese government advance its foreign policy goals and potentially transfer sensitive information to the Chinese government.

The memo also claims that officials should be wary of Chinese satellite companies possibly squeezing out other participants and avoid falling into a monopolized market controlled by the Chinese government.

According to the report, this internal document from the U.S. Department of State also boasts that American suppliers can provide more reliable services, but simultaneously acknowledges that SpaceX, headquartered in the U.S., like other American companies, has the right to arbitrarily restrict or cut off its "Starlink" satellite network service at will.

Although U.S. law does not authorize the government to regulate the operational scope of satellite communication enterprises, entrepreneur Elon Musk's control over "Starlink" operations has raised questions about the influence of private enterprises in policy decisions.

Some U.S. military officials also expressed concern over the inability of the U.S. to require SpaceX to continuously provide services to allies. The report stated that in 2022, Musk refused Ukraine's request and did not extend "Starlink" services to Crimea under Russian control.

Ukrainian military using "Starlink" equipment RT

The report pointed out that Musk is now an advisor to former President Trump and played a significant role during his second term. Some observers said it was inappropriate for the memo to specifically mention an American company.

"Much of the content looks like the U.S. government is advocating for SpaceX," said a former senior defense official who wished to remain anonymous. He also claimed that America's allies should seek suppliers elsewhere, preferably those with no connection to China or Russia and without political affiliations.

The report highlights that this memo underscores the increasingly tense situation between China and the U.S. extending into the space economy sector. This industry is expected to create hundreds of billions of dollars in growth and become a new battlefield for "cybersecurity and military confrontation."

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State declined to comment on the contents of the internal document, only stating that the U.S. "urges allies and partners around the world to protect their infrastructure and technology and only cooperate with trusted suppliers."

Notably, after Washington threatened to cut off Starlink services in Ukraine, EU authorities and companies began to doubt the reliability of Starlink.

Last week, Brendan Carr, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, warned in an interview with the Financial Times that if European allies adopt a cautious attitude toward "Starlink" and turn to Chinese satellites, they may face greater concerns.

"If Europe has its own satellite constellation, that's great, I think the more the better. But broadly speaking, I think Europe is caught between China and the U.S.," Carr said. "It's time to make a choice."

Previously, the U.S. Department of State accused Chinese satellite companies of supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen, damaging U.S. interests in the region. In response, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on April 18th that since the Red Sea situation escalated, China has been playing an active role in easing tensions. Who is promoting peace talks and easing tensions, and who is imposing sanctions and escalating tensions, is clear to the international community. China advises relevant countries to do more to truly contribute to regional peace and stability instead of the opposite.

This article is an exclusive piece by the Observer Network and unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7496140949660140083/

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