Chinese Military Seeks to Control Wartime Communications with Cyber Weapons, Reveals Leaked CIA Report
China is building hacking capabilities that will allow it to “seize control” of enemy satellites, according to a report from the Financial Times. This revelation is not surprising given China’s goal to control information, which it considers to be a key “war-fighting domain.” The Chinese cyber weapons would render Western satellites useless for communications or surveillance during wartime, which could knock out the ability of satellites to respond with each other, relay orders to weapons systems, or send back visual and intercepted electronic data.
The report is based on classified US intelligence, and it suggests that China has been racing to build up its military capabilities in space for the past decade, including satellite communications. The US and China have been engaged in a tense trade and geopolitical relationship, and the revelation of China’s ability to hack enemy satellites only adds fuel to the fire.
Furthermore, there are concerns that China may try to invade Taiwan, a territory it considers its own. The ongoing tensions between Beijing and Washington have only heightened these concerns, as the US has continued to provide support for Taiwan and engage in military exercises in the region.
The US Space Force chief, General Bradley Chance Saltzman, recently warned that the country was facing a “new era” of threats beyond Earth from the likes of Russia and China that goes much further than jamming. Saltzman noted how Russia tested an anti-satellite missile in late 2021 and how China is building hacking capabilities to take control of enemy satellites. These developments are concerning, as they could potentially disrupt military operations and compromise national security.
The Washington Post reported this week how Russia is testing new technology that jams Ukraine’s access to the Starlink satellite internet operations that billionaire Elon Musk donated to Kyiv at the start of the war. The report suggests that Russia is using similar tactics to China to gain an advantage in modern warfare.
In addition, Britain’s cyber chief, Lindy Cameron, warned this week that China is aiming for “global technological supremacy” in cyberspace. Cameron, who is the director of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of Britain’s GCHQ eavesdropping spy agency, said that China is not only “pushing for parity with Western countries, it is aiming for global technological supremacy.” She also noted that China is using its cyber capabilities to acquire intellectual property, achieve its strategic geopolitical goals, and conduct global spying campaigns.
The revelation that China is building hacking capabilities to take control of enemy satellites is a significant development that adds to the growing concern about the country’s military expansion and cyber capabilities. The US, UK, and other countries are closely monitoring China’s activities and taking steps to protect their national security interests. As the world becomes more connected and reliant on technology, it is essential to be vigilant and proactive in defending against cyber threats.
