U.S. lawmakers are applying pressure on Elon Musk and SpaceX to ensure that American military forces stationed in Taiwan have access to Starshield satellite communication services. This demand comes amidst growing concerns over Taiwan’s security and the potential threat of Chinese aggression.
Led by Rep. Mike Gallagher, the House China Committee has formally requested that Musk guarantee the availability of Starshield, a specialized network designed for military use, to U.S. troops in Taiwan. This request follows a visit by Gallagher and a delegation of lawmakers to Taiwan, where they met with officials, including President Tsai Ing-wen, to discuss the island’s communication vulnerabilities. Of particular concern is the potential severing of undersea cables that connect Taiwan to the global internet.
Starshield, distinct from SpaceX’s civilian-focused Starlink service, aims to provide secure communication and observational capabilities to the military through low-Earth orbit satellites. In September, the Pentagon awarded SpaceX a one-year contract for Starshield, with expectations of global access as part of the agreement. Lawmakers argue that withholding Starshield services in Taiwan could constitute a breach of SpaceX’s contractual obligations with the U.S. government.
The situation is further complicated by Musk’s business interests in China, including significant revenue generated from Tesla’s operations in the country. Musk’s previous comments suggesting that Taiwan is an “integral part of China” have sparked controversy and concern in Taiwan, raising questions about his willingness to support U.S. military operations in the region.
As of now, SpaceX has not publicly responded to the lawmakers’ request. This issue highlights the broader geopolitical tensions between Taiwan, the U.S., and China, as well as the strategic importance of satellite communication technologies in modern military operations and national security.