In a noteworthy shift, a consortium of U.S. legislators is compelling Elon Musk to extend SpaceX’s Starshield, a military-centric satellite communications network, to bolster American defense forces in Taiwan. The exclusive letter obtained by reporters, authored by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), stresses SpaceX’s contractual obligation to provide the U.S. Department of Defense with “global access” to its satellite internet services. Dated 24 February 2024, the letter raises concerns about SpaceX potentially withholding broadband services around Taiwan, potentially breaching contractual commitments with the U.S. government.
Pentagon’s Stakes in StarShield Heighten Urgency
Gallagher, chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, underscores the Pentagon’s substantial investment in StarShield, designed to furnish crucial communications and observational imagery to the military via low-Earth orbit satellites. The urgency is palpable as Gallagher highlights the critical need for a robust communication network for U.S. military personnel in the Taiwan vicinity, essential for safeguarding American interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The specter of severe risks to American service members in the Western Pacific, particularly in the face of potential Chinese aggression against Taiwan, looms large.
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The climax of the narrative arrives as the letter formally requests Musk to brief the Select Committee on Starshield’s availability in and around Taiwan by March 8. For Musk, this request brings forth a dilemma, casting a spotlight on his close ties with China, exemplified by Tesla’s significant manufacturing presence in the country. Musk’s past foray into cross-strait relations adds another layer of complexity, as his suggestion in 2022 about easing tensions by ceding control of Taiwan to China resurfaces.
The correspondence accentuates the intricate web of reliance the U.S. government and military have woven around SpaceX’s satellite infrastructure. SpaceX, headquartered in Texas, has soared as the premier global provider of satellite communications, launching over 5,000 satellites since 2019. The company’s satellites play a pivotal role in delivering internet access to remote areas, disaster-stricken regions, and conflict zones. The recent claims by Ukrainian military-intelligence officials about Russian forces leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink in the ongoing conflict adds an intriguing twist. Musk vehemently denies selling Starlink service to Russia.
Vulnerability of American Forces Exposed in Taiwan
In a grave revelation, Rep. Mike Gallagher, who recently visited Taiwan alongside a congressional delegation, sounded the alarm about the vulnerability of American service members in the Western Pacific. Amid discussions with Taiwanese officials, including President Tsai Ing-wen, Gallagher emphasized the critical need for a robust communication system like StarShield. This system would act as a safeguard in the event of China severing the undersea cables connecting Taiwan to the global network.
In a letter, Gallagher conveyed that “multiple sources” had informed the CCP Committee that StarShield, a crucial defensive measure, is currently inactive in and around Taiwan. Jason Hsu, a former member of Taiwan’s legislature and now a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, echoed these concerns. He disclosed ongoing efforts to petition the U.S. Department of Defense through Congress, emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing satellite capability for Taiwan, given the compromised state of its undersea cable infrastructure.
The stakes have escalated as the Pentagon focuses on the future of Taiwan, with the looming threat of a potential Chinese invasion. Incidents such as the cutting of undersea internet cables by Chinese ships, as reported by Taiwan’s National Communications Commission, only underscore the vulnerability of the island. CIA director William Burns’ revelation that President Xi Jinping has ordered the People’s Liberation Army to prepare for a potential invasion by 2027 adds a chilling dimension to the situation. Furthermore, since the election of pro-independence President Lai Ching-te, China has intensified military demonstrations, raising concerns about an uptick in cyber-attacks.
A Look Back at StarLink Talks and Musk’s China Ties
The urgency of a secure communication system was initially highlighted in 2019 when Taiwan engaged in discussions with SpaceX about StarLink. The intention was to establish communication channels independent of undersea cables. However, negotiations faltered due to a contentious requirement – the Taiwanese government’s majority ownership of any telecommunications companies operating in the country. Elon Musk’s insistence on retaining full ownership led to a deadlock in talks, prompting Taiwan to initiate the development of its satellite system.
In the urgent quest to fortify Taiwan’s communication defenses, the spotlight turns to Starlink as a potential solution, yet former Rep. Will Hurd cautions against placing all bets on a singular remedy. Speaking to Forbes, Hurd underscores the pivotal role that Starlink and Starshield could play but warns against creating a specific vulnerability in satellite communications. Having visited the island recently, Hurd emphasizes the imperative need to address the lingering lethargy from both the U.S. government and industry players.
“We cannot tolerate the ongoing delays from the U.S. government and individuals in the industry.”
-Former Rep. Will Hurd
Taiwan’s skepticism towards Elon Musk’s business ties with China amplifies the complexity of the situation. Musk’s significant financial stakes in China, with about 20% of Tesla’s revenue originating from the country, coupled with his pro-Beijing remarks, have fueled apprehensions. The unease reached a peak when Musk declared Taiwan as an “integral part of China” last September, prompting a swift rebuke from Taiwanese foreign minister Joseph Wu, who asserted Taiwan’s non-negotiable independence.
Musk at the Crossroads
The formidable challenge lies in coaxing Musk into activating StarShield in Taiwan, as he has previously exhibited a reluctance to involve Starlink in disputed regions, citing concerns about avoiding explicit complicity in acts of war. The geopolitical chessboard intensifies as the specter of China’s goal for reunification with Taiwan looms large, potentially through forceful means. Rep. Mike Gallagher voices these concerns, emphasizing that the gravity of the situation should heighten worry, especially in light of reports about SpaceX’s StarShield failing to provide services to Taiwan.
The climax of this narrative pivots on the delicate balance Musk must navigate – torn between geopolitical pressures, the significance of SpaceX’s military contracts with the U.S. government, and the imperatives of safeguarding Taiwan against potential aggression. The unresolved question hangs in the air, demanding swift action and strategic decisions to avert a perilous future for Taiwan and to ensure the security of satellite communications in the face of mounting geopolitical tensions. Former Rep. Hurd’s call for urgency reverberates, urging a swift response from both the U.S. government and industry players before the vulnerability becomes a point of no return.
