Lawmakers are pressing Elon Musk to activate SpaceX's StarShield for Taiwan. StarShield, utilizing low-Earth orbit satellites, delivers high-speed, secure, and resilient communications and imagery to military entities.
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C.E.O. of Tesla, Chief Engineer of SpaceX and C.T.O. of X Elon Musk speaks during the New York Times annual DealBook summit on November 29, 2023 in New York City.
Urging to Activate Starshield
The StarShield satellite network, initially developed for the U.S. military, holds potential significance for Taiwan amid escalating tensions. However, a hurdle remains: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has been hesitant to extend the service to Taiwan, despite a contractual obligation with the Pentagon.
The Pentagon emphasizes the need for a robust communication infrastructure, prompting a group of U.S. lawmakers led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) to issue a letter to Musk, urging him to ensure StarShield availability for American defense forces operating in and around Taiwan.
Forbes obtained and disclosed a letter stressing the criticality of a strong communication network to safeguard U.S. interests and allies in the Indo-Pacific area.
Chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Gallagher, expressed concern that SpaceX might be refraining from providing broadband internet services in Taiwan, potentially violating contractual obligations with the U.S. government.
Tensions Between China, Taiwan
The letter comes at a time of rising tensions between China and Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its own territory and hasn't ruled out using force to bring it back under its control.
On the other hand, Taiwan operates as a separate democratic nation and receives strong support from the U.S. and other countries. The situation in Taiwan has become more tense due to China's increasing military pressure and cyberattacks.
CIA Director William Burns recently revealed that President Xi Jinping instructed the Chinese military to prepare for a possible invasion of Taiwan by 2027. Additionally, the election of President Lai Ching-te, who favors independence for Taiwan, has added to the tension.
Musk's relationship with both parties is intricate. In China, his electric car company Tesla boasts a significant presence with a major factory and a devoted following. Additionally, Musk has hinted at understanding China's stance on Taiwan, proposing in 2022 that a compromise could potentially ease tensions.
However, Musk's space endeavors rely heavily on the U.S. government and military. SpaceX, having launched over 5,000 satellites since 2019, stands as the primary provider of satellite internet services globally.
With lucrative contracts secured with the Pentagon, NASA, and other agencies, SpaceX has committed to providing these entities with comprehensive network access on a global scale.
Among these networks is StarShield, designed to provide the military with high-speed, secure, and robust communications and imagery through low-Earth orbit satellites. In the event of China severing its undersea internet cables, as it has done previously, this network could prove crucial for Taiwan's communication needs.
Gallagher and fellow lawmakers paid a visit to Taiwan, where they engaged in discussions with President Tsai Ing-wen and other officials. The focus of these talks revolved around the necessity of implementing StarShield. It was revealed that the network currently remains inactive in Taiwan.
