Merger of European-U.S. Satellite Companies Raises Fears of Chinese Access to Military Communication
The proposed merger between European satellite service provider SES, a major Pentagon space contractor, and Virginia-based Intelsat is raising national security concerns over SES’ strategic partnership with a Chinese state-linked satellite company, according to national security experts.
The $3.1 billion merger announced in April was followed a month later by SES reaching a strategic partnership with China’s AeroSat Link for an international airline inflight internet service program.
AeroSat Link is a subsidiary of state-run China Satellite Communications Co. Ltd., known as ChinaSat, that is part of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC).
Both ChinaSat and CASC are identified as Chinese military companies, and both were sanctioned by the Treasury Department in the past based on national security concerns.
Luxembourg-based SES operates a network of nearly 70 satellites in two different orbits, along with ground infrastructure that provides video and data services to 99% of the world’s population, according to the company website. (Read more from “Merger of European-U.S. Satellite Companies Raises Fears of Chinese Access to Military Communication” HERE)
