China Alerts UN: Starlink Satellites a "Safety and Security" Risk

China has warned that the rapid growth of satellite networks like SpaceX's Starlink creates serious dangers. It raised the issue at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Monday. Beijing's representative said these large groups of satellites, known as constellations, present "pronounced safety and security challenges". The official cited two specific events involving Starlink. The first was a series of close approaches by Starlink satellites to China's space station in 2021. The second was the breakup of a Starlink satellite in December 2023, which created more debris. China also accused some operators of ignoring international space rules. It argued that the current system for managing space traffic and debris is insufficient for today's crowded orbit. The UN meeting was organized by Russia, which has also criticized large commercial satellite projects. The warning highlights growing international tensions over the control of Earth's orbit.