China and Russia Have Drafted a Plan to Take Down Starlink

Investigation into Starlink

According to НВ — Техно: On July 9, 2026, a joint investigation by Der Spiegel, The Insider, and Le Monde revealed details of a classified document from the China-Russia Forum on Military-Technical Cooperation. The document characterizes Starlink as a military infrastructure asset. The findings include information about a secret meeting held in November 2023 in Guangzhou, where representatives from Chinese space and defense agencies discussed strategies to counter the system.

The leaked documents include a presentation on countering Starlink, prepared by researchers at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Marked as "internal," the document highlights Starlink's significance in modern military operations. By fall 2023, Starlink had become a critical component of Ukraine's military efforts, with SpaceX delivering over 40,000 terminals to the country-equipment that U.S. officials described as essential to Ukraine's defense.

Levels of Countermeasures Against Starlink

The CASC document proposes a three-tier approach to countering Starlink:

• First level - diplomatic. China and Russia would push for international restrictions on Starlink's expansion, citing risks of satellite collisions in low Earth orbit.
• Second level - competition for orbital slots and frequencies. Moscow and Beijing could leverage international regulatory bodies to hinder further Starlink deployment, while also developing electronic jamming systems to disrupt signals in specific regions.
• Third level - cyberattacks and physical destruction of satellites. The document explores infecting Starlink terminals with malware to paralyze the network, as well as creating low-cost tools for mass satellite destruction in orbit.

CASC researchers described Starlink's expansion as a potential "space blockade." This information underscores the strategic importance of Starlink in the current military landscape and reflects growing concerns in China and Russia over the technology's impact on global security.

The report highlights escalating international tensions tied to technologies used for military purposes. The strategic initiatives discussed by China and Russia may reflect not only their apprehensions about Starlink but also broader trends in military technology and security. As space-based technologies become increasingly pivotal on the battlefield, such investigations could influence policy decisions and international agreements governing the use of outer space.

As tensions in space continue to escalate, the United States is also taking significant steps to ensure its security. Recent developments reveal how the U.S. has successfully created a method to detect Russian nuclear weapons deployed in space. This advancement underscores the growing competition in military capabilities beyond Earth, further emphasizing the need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats. For a deeper understanding of these geopolitical dynamics, read more about the U.S. detection methods here.