China and Russia View Starlink as Threat, Plan Joint Countermeasures

China and Russia are jointly developing strategies to counter the military utility of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet system, which has proven crucial for Ukraine's defense efforts. Leaked documents indicate a multi-stage plan to curb Starlink's influence and capabilities.

The collaboration, detailed in presentations from secret meetings since 2023 involving Russian military and researchers from both nations, aims to limit Starlink's growth through international regulations. As Starlink's constellation expands, its effectiveness increases, currently comprising around 10,000 satellites.

Beyond regulatory measures, Russia and China plan to create a joint system to jam Starlink signals. A more aggressive escalation involves considering cyberattacks to disable the network or employing space weapons to destroy more satellites than Starlink can replace. Such an attack would have significant global consequences, potentially crippling international shipping and disrupting supply chains that rely on satellite communication. Western military forces also depend on Starlink, making a Russian-Chinese assault on the system tantamount to a declaration of war against the West.

Starlink has become an indispensable tool for Ukraine, enabling high-speed, low-latency data communication that facilitates detailed reconnaissance of enemy territory and precise artillery targeting. It also aids in guiding combat drones and organizing logistics and medical evacuations. While Russia initially used Starlink, SpaceX ceased service in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories under political pressure, prompting Russia to seek Chinese alternatives.