A group of US lawmakers are urging SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to provide satellite internet access to Taiwan through the company’s StarShield network. They warn leaving the island vulnerable would threaten American interests in the region.
The request comes from Congressman Mike Gallagher and other legislators following a tense visit to Taiwan last week. It highlights growing fears that China may sever the nation’s undersea internet cables given rising cross-strait tensions.
SpaceX StarShield Network
At issue is SpaceX’s StarShield network designed for US military use. It leverages low-earth orbit satellites to deliver secure, resilient broadband connectivity and imagery to American forces worldwide.
SpaceX has contracts with the Pentagon requiring global availability of StarShield. However, the network currently remains inactive over Taiwan according to sources cited by lawmakers.
They argue having robust communications is vital to countering Chinese aggression. StarShield could serve as a backup for undersea cables vulnerable to disruption.
Musk’s Stance on China and Taiwan
Complicating matters is Elon Musk’s delicate China balancing act. A significant portion of his business interests depend on access to the massive Chinese market.
In the past, Musk has echoed Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is an “integral part of China.” Meanwhile, his electric car firm Tesla depends on its Shanghai gigafactory for over 50% of production capacity.
Providing Taiwanese access to StarShield could jeopardize Musk’s substantial China presence. His previous reluctance to offer Starlink in disputed Ukraine regions hints at similar calculus regarding Taiwan.
However, Musk also relies heavily on US government aerospace contracts through SpaceX. Avoiding clear contractual obligations around StarShield’s availability may spark backlash affecting future deals.
Musk Faces Critical Choice
For now, Musk appears noncommittal on Taiwan’s access to the secure satellite network despite its strategic importance to regional allies. He cites hesitance to enable escalating conflict.
But lawmakers pressure him to brief Congress on StarShield’s status in Taiwan by March 8th. They underscore America’s priorities in upholding Taiwan’s security.
With China possibly eyeing Taiwan action by 2027, Musk faces an increasingly untenable balancing act. The situation may force his hand to prioritize US government interests over placating Beijing.
Taiwan Explores Other Satellite Options
Some experts argue Taiwan should diversify satellite internet sources rather than relying solely on Starlink. Additional networks would eliminate single points of failure in communications.
Besides underscoring Taiwan’s vulnerabilities, the tensions shine a spotlight on China’s extraterritorial internet chokehold. The expansion of uncensored satellite-based services weakens authoritarian information controls.
For Taiwan, the quest boils down to securing communications resilience against Chinese aggression through any means available. If Musk stonewalls StarShield access, backup satellite networks become critical.
Musk’s pending decision carries major security implications for the US and its Asian allies. It serves as a litmus test of whether his business interests or American obligations prevail when forced to choose between the two.
