Beijing accuses Washington of threatening global security after a report by Reuters revealed that SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, was making hundreds of spy satellites for a US intelligence agency.
The Chinese army and state media accused the United States of jeopardizing global security, following the recent disclosure.
The report stated that SpaceX’s Starlink unit was developing a satellite network under an undisclosed $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office.
In response to Reuters’ story, China’s People’s Liberation Army posted on social media, criticizing US tech companies for aiding alleged threats to American security.
The message urged vigilance from all nations against new and greater security threats purportedly created by the US government.
While the National Reconnaissance Office acknowledged its role in developing satellite surveillance systems, it declined to comment on SpaceX’s involvement. SpaceX, the world’s largest satellite operator, did not respond to several requests for comment on the contract.
The Starlink network, separate from SpaceX’s growing commercial high-speed internet service, aims to deploy 5,500 satellites in space. China also plans to manufacture its own satellite groups, aligning with its space ambitions.
