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China Warns UN that Starlink Satellites Threaten Space Safety
China cites Starlink's 10,000 satellites for safety and security risks at the UN and enforces penalties on foreign vessels using it in territorial waters.
- A routine inspection at Ningbo port uncovered an active Starlink terminal on a foreign vessel, marking China’s first penalty for unauthorized use in its territorial waters, the Ningbo Maritime Safety Administration confirmed.
- On Monday at an informal UN Security Council meeting, Beijing warned rapid LEO constellation growth outpaces regulation, citing a December 13 near-miss and a December 17 satellite breakup creating over one hundred debris fragments.
- For vessels, the rules are unambiguous: terminals must be deactivated within 12 nautical miles, as China's telecom regulators require satellite traffic to pass domestic gateways and China SatNet develops rival Guowang and Qianfan constellations.
- Maritime operators calling at Chinese ports should audit communications equipment now, as Ma Yanchao warned that intensified inspections will enforce deactivation or risk fines and vessel detention.
- Beijing says commercial satellites blur civilian and defense roles, invoking the Outer Space Treaty, while Chinese military researchers study countermeasures that could disrupt SpaceX/Starlink service for regional users including Europe, Ukraine, and the United States.
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·Beijing, China
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 40%
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