Beijing —
China's military and state media accuse the United States of threatening global security. The allegations come days after Reuters reported Elon Musk's SpaceX was building hundreds of spy satellites for US intelligence agencies.
SpaceX's unit, Starshield, is developing a network of satellites under a secret $1.8 billion contract with the National Reconnaissance Office, or NRO, according to a report released by Reuters last Friday. The news agency cited five sources familiar with the program.
According to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) social media account, the SpaceX program exposed the US program's shamelessness and double standards.
The US accuses Chinese technology companies of threatening US security.
Quoted by the Global Times newspaper, an editor of a magazine belonging to the ruling Communist Party said the satellite project posed “a challenge to global security and stability.”
Elon Musk is also the owner of Tesla. These electric vehicle factories are scattered in China. However, the PLA and Global Times social media accounts did not mention Musk or Tesla.
Responding to the Reuters report, the NRO acknowledged its mission to develop a space-based surveillance system. But it declined to comment on the extent of SpaceX's involvement. The world's largest satellite operator also did not respond to several requests for comment on the contract.
China says it also plans to start building a satellite constellation.
SpaceX, the NRO and the Pentagon did not immediately respond to requests for comment on China's reaction to the contract. (ka/lt)