The US demands Musk to support Taiwan! To open SpaceX's military network Starshield for US troops stationed in Taiwan, response required by March.

The U.S. House China Commission has issued an open letter to Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, requesting access to the Starshield satellite communication network for the U.S. military stationed in Taiwan. The communication network, designed for military purposes, is crucial for ensuring American interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

What is Starshield?

Expansion of the Starlink Project

SpaceX's Starshield project is a satellite communication service specifically designed for military and national security customers, focusing on meeting the specific needs of government and military users. It is an expanded version of the Starlink project, which is a low Earth orbit satellite network aimed at providing high-speed internet globally.

However, the Starlink project currently does not offer services for users in Taiwan.

Gallagher Calls on Musk to Support US Military Communication Needs in Taiwan

An open letter revealed the findings of Representative Mike Gallagher, chairman of the China Commission in the House of Representatives, and his delegation after their February visit to Taiwan: Starshield network does not provide services to the US military stationed in Taiwan and surrounding areas. This situation has raised concerns that SpaceX may be in violation of contractual requirements with the Pentagon to provide "global access" to the US military.

Opening Starshield Based on Military Requirements Across the Taiwan Strait

The letter from the committee specifically emphasizes the importance of ensuring robust communication networks for US military personnel in the Western Pacific region in the event of military aggression by the Chinese Communist Party against Taiwan. This is to safeguard US interests in the Asia-Pacific region from threats.

Musk to Balance Commercial and Political Considerations

CNBC analysis suggests that Musk's good relationship with China has been a key factor in Tesla's success. However, this relationship appears particularly delicate against the backdrop of US-China tensions. Tesla operates its own factory in Shanghai, and Musk's stance on Taiwan, considering it an integral part of China, has also been controversial.

US House of Representatives Requests Response by March

The China Commission of the House of Representatives has requested Musk to provide a briefing to the committee on his operations in Taiwan by March 8. This letter highlights the US government's determination to ensure its military communication capabilities are not influenced by geopolitical factors, reflecting the sensitivity of the US military presence in Taiwan and its complex role in US-China relations.