An investigation by European outlets has revealed details of China-Russia military cooperation focused on defeating the Starlink satellite network.
One week ago, The Insider, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde published findings from a cache of documents on growing military ties between China and Russia. The papers described discussions at a 2023 China-Russia Military-Technical Cooperation Forum on strategies to counter SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.
The documents outlined an “escalation ladder” of responses, from diplomatic pressure to jamming and potential physical destruction of satellites. A sixth bilateral forum is scheduled for the end of this year in St. Petersburg.
Experts consulted by Ars Technica noted that Starlink has provided critical support to Ukrainian forces since 2022. They said China and Russia view the network as a threat due to its resilience and military applications.
The reports also highlighted Russia’s battle-tested experience and China’s resources in developing countermeasures, including microwave weapons and orbital concepts.