China Accuses US of Unsafe Space Conduct After Near-Miss With Elon Musk's Starlink

The United States is accused of being irresponsible and unsafe in its conduct in space by Beijing.

Beijing submitted a note to the United Nations space agency stating that the space station had to maneuver to avoid colliding with two satellites.

The note said the incidents constituted dangers to the life or health of astronauts.

The US poses a serious threat to the lives and safety of astronauts because it ignores its obligations under international treaties, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

The constellation of Starlink satellites is meant to provide internet access to most parts of Earth.

The US military and civilian space agency NASA are not associated with the company.

China told the UN that members of the Outer Space Treaty are responsible for actions by non-government entities.

Ned Price declined to respond to the Chinese accusations.

"We have encouraged all countries with space programs to be responsible actors, to avoid acts that may put in danger astronauts, cosmonauts, others who are around the Earth or who have the potential to," Price said.

The company did not respond to a request for comment.

As more objects enter Earth's vicinity, Evasive maneuvers to reduce the risk of collision are becoming more frequent.

He said that they have noticed an increase in the number of close passes.

The Chinese space station would likely be destroyed by a collision.

The core module of China's station is expected to be fully operational next year.

Prepare to stop doing business with the company.

Musk was criticized on Chinese social media for his position on Starlink.

The topic was the subject of one of the Weibo platform's hashtags that had 90 million views.

One user commented that it was ironic that Chinese people buy a company and contribute large sums of money so Musk can launch a company.

The reputation of Musk's firm has taken a hit this year after a number of crashes, scandals and data security concerns.

A Weibo user said that they would be boycottingTesla, a common response in China to foreign brands acting contrary to national interests.

Agence France-Presse.