China launched 67 commercial rockets in 2023, second to the United States. They launched satellites intended for their own Starlink-like service from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The conflict in Ukraine demonstrated the value of satellite internet for communication in adverse circumstances. U.S. and NATO forces have begun to embrace this technology.
Elon Musk has reportedly prevented Ukrainian forces from using Starlink on certain missions. Concerns have been raised that SpaceX may be withholding services around Taiwan. China has been planning its own global satellite internet network since at least 2018, incorporating satellite internet into infrastructure development in 2020.
China’s satellite internet project is still in an experimental phase, launching test satellites in 2023. They are aiming for a network of 12,992 satellites, but face challenges in technological advancements, satellite manufacturing, and launch capabilities. Chinese companies are working towards coordinating efforts for satellite internet development.
While China is behind SpaceX in satellite internet technology, they are making efforts to catch up. China has a history of success in technology advancements when determined. The timeline for full construction of China’s satellite internet constellation may be around the end of 2024 or 2025.
