Chinese firm sanctions-hit by US releases satellite images of Nvidia, Apple HQs

Following U.S. sanctions, Chinese satellite firm Chang Guang Satellite Technology has published high-resolution satellite images of the headquarters of U.S. tech giants Nvidia and Apple. The move comes after the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Chang Guang, along with two other Chinese companies, for allegedly assisting Iran.

The images, captured by Chang Guang's Jilin-1 satellite constellation, offer detailed aerial views of the Nvidia headquarters in Santa Clara and the Apple campus in Cupertino. The satellite imagery clearly depicts building outlines, parking lot density, and even construction changes within the facilities. Chang Guang stated that the release of these images is a routine matter and that its satellite data is publicly accessible.

This incident is linked to broader geopolitical tensions. In April, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly targeted entities associated with 18 U.S. tech and AI companies, accusing them of aiding attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities or cyber systems. The subsequent U.S. sanctions in May targeted Chang Guang, Meentropy Technology, and Earth Eye for their alleged role in helping Iran attack U.S. forces.

The publication of these satellite images by a sanctioned Chinese company, showing sensitive U.S. corporate locations, is seen by some as a retaliatory measure. However, the company maintains that its actions are standard practice for a commercial satellite imaging provider.

“

This release is a routine satellite news, and the Jilin-1 satellite images are public.