U.S. to allies: Don’t use Chinese satellite services

The State Department is urging other countries to avoid doing business with Chinese satellite firms, arguing that such contracts fuel military development and help Beijing gather sensitive intelligence from allies.

“It is important to ensure satellite services provided by untrusted suppliers, such as those from China, are not permitted to operate in your country,” said an undated memo that laid out talking points for U.S. officials. A copy was obtained by Nextgov/FCW and Defense One.

The memo also suggested that U.S. providers offer more reliable services, but acknowledged that U.S.-based SpaceX — like other U.S. firms — retains the right to restrict or withdraw its Starlink service at its whim, as it has reportedly done in Ukraine.

Read more at Defense One