Chinese scientists have published simulation studies examining whether the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could disrupt or block Starlink communication signals over Taiwan. Conducted by a team at the Beijing Institute of Technology, the research focuses on the challenges posed by Starlink’s fast-moving satellites, which continuously shift their signals between ground receivers. According to the study, it is technically possible to interfere with Starlink across Taiwan, but doing so would require a massive effort. The simulations suggest that more than a thousand electronic-warfare drones would be needed to produce sufficient interference to block the network. The researchers highlight “spatiotemporal uncertainty” as a key difficulty, meaning the satellites’ constant motion makes it hard for small or simple jamming systems to maintain a consistent effect.

Beyond drones, other Chinese research explores space-based strategies. One simulation models around ninety-nine “hunter” satellites approaching more than a thousand Starlink satellites within twelve hours. These satellites could theoretically carry tools such as lasers or high-power microwaves to weaken or damage the network. Additional proposals include small satellites with ion thrusters capable of maneuvering near Starlink craft, potential disruptions to Starlink’s supply chain on Earth, and even early-stage concepts involving submarines fitted with lasers. While speculative, these studies indicate that China views Starlink as a potential military asset that could assist Taiwan or its partners in a conflict. The role of Starlink in Ukraine has demonstrated the strategic value of commercial satellite networks, likely prompting China’s growing interest in countermeasures.

However, there are significant practical limits. Coordinating over a thousand drones in contested airspace would be extremely challenging, and any attempt to interfere with satellites in orbit risks escalating international tensions because Starlink serves millions of civilian users worldwide. Importantly, none of these proposed methods has been tested in real operations; they remain theoretical and exist only in research models. Nevertheless, the studies show that countering Starlink has become a focus of Chinese military and aerospace planning, revealing the kinds of capabilities and strategies under consideration for potential future conflicts.

The legal context of such actions is clear. China is a signatory to the Outer Space Treaty (OST) of 1967, which requires that space be used for peaceful purposes, prohibits harm to the space assets of other states, and holds states internationally responsible for any damage caused by their space activities. Deliberate jamming, disabling, or destroying Starlink satellites would almost certainly violate these obligations. Similarly, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) regulations prohibit harmful interference with radio communications, meaning deliberate jamming of Starlink signals would breach international rules. Under customary international law, actions that damage civilian infrastructure—especially systems with global users—could be considered an unlawful use of force, potentially rising to the level of an armed attack under the UN Charter, and would violate norms for responsible behavior in space. Since Starlink serves millions of civilians worldwide, any disruption would extend beyond a limited military target, causing broad civilian harm. Additionally, UN COPUOS guidelines on space debris stress that damaging satellites creates debris hazards, which further violates accepted norms for responsible space operations, even if not fully legally binding.

In summary, while Chinese research indicates technical possibilities for disrupting Starlink, any actual attempt to implement these measures would face immense practical challenges and would almost certainly violate multiple international laws and norms. The studies highlight China’s strategic interest in countering commercial satellite networks, but they also underscore the legal and ethical obligations that apply to space operations, particularly when civilian infrastructure could be harmed.