“We understand that SpaceX may withhold broadband internet service in and around Taiwan,” the letter, signed by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), said. “This may be a violation of our contractual obligations to the U.S. government.” He serves as chairman of the House Committee on the Communist Party of China.
The Pentagon awarded SpaceX a one-year contract for the StarShield in September, after commissioning SpaceX’s Starlink network for Ukraine’s war against Russia several months earlier. The war against Russia reached the two-year mark on Saturday.
The letter was released after Gallagher visited Taiwan with a delegation of other members of Congress and met with Taiwanese officials, including President Tsai Ing-wen and President-elect Lai Ching-toku.
The letter states that lawmakers have learned that StarShield cannot be used by U.S. forces stationed in Taiwan, despite the Pentagon’s global access provisions. “We have made it clear that S.H.I.E.L.D. is no longer active in and around Taiwan.”
The letter asks Musk to provide an explanation of his activities in Taiwan to a House committee by March 8.
Taiwan has been ruled independently from China since it separated from the mainland during the 1949 civil war. China still claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has repeatedly stated its intention to reunite the sovereign island with the mainland.
“A military invasion of Taiwan by the Chinese Communist Party would place U.S. military personnel in the Western Pacific at grave risk,” the letter said. “Ensuring robust communications networks for U.S. military personnel in and around Taiwan is paramount to protecting U.S. interests in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Tesla’s success depends on a good business relationship with China, and CEO Musk has been able to forge a good relationship with the country despite widespread tensions with the United States. Other foreign automakers in China operate their own factories in Shanghai. Establish a joint venture.
Musk came under fire from Taiwanese officials last September for appearing to endorse China’s theory of unification over Taiwan, saying the autonomous island was an integral part of China.
“As an outsider to China, I think I understand it pretty well,” Musk said. all in podcast. “From their perspective, it’s probably Hawaii or something similar, like an integral part of China that isn’t arbitrarily part of China.”
“Listen, #Taiwan is not part of the #PRC and certainly not for sale,” said Jaushi Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s foreign minister. I have written X in response to Mr. Musk’s comment.
SpaceX and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the letter.
This story is developing. Please check back for the latest information.
Read the full letter here:
