The high-resolution satellite images that a CCP-backed, PLA-linked Chinese firm has provided for Russian fighters targeting Ukraine and Houthi rebels targeting U.S. warships may only be scratching the surface “of Chang Guang Satellite Technology’s capabilities” (“The Chinese Satellite Firm Washington Accuses of Helping U.S. Foes,” Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2025).
Chang Guang’s satellites can peer into every corner of the U.S., with some users in China claiming to have tapped the network’s capabilities to capture images of the U.S.’s latest stealth bomber, parked at an air base in California’s Mojave Desert.
Chang Guang’s growth and the increased scrutiny it is attracting from the U.S. reflect Beijing’s efforts to tap its vibrant civilian technology sector to enhance its defense industry. It also highlights how China uses commercial firms to advance its strategic interests….
Chang Guang didn’t respond to a request for comment. Responding to the latest U.S. accusation, the company told Chinese media it doesn’t have any business dealings with the Houthis or their backers in Iran, calling the State Department’s accusation a fabrication….
While a significant portion of Chang Guang’s business is benign…its financial filings have also disclosed close ties to China’s military over the last decade.
The reporter observes that China has been reluctant to prevent its domestic companies “from doing deals with customers the U.S. dislikes.” This seems like an understatement. The Chinese government doubtless ignores such requests without another thought, the only matter for rumination being what pattern of deflective mumbo-jumbo company spokesman and Party spokesman should utter in reply to questions.
With respect to the help that the United States accuses Chang Guang of giving the Houthis, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman professed innocence of the facts of this particular case—it’s hard for even a duly appointed representative of the Chinese government to be fully briefed about every single major conflict in the world in which China is active—but did say that China had been working to ease tensions in the region. So let’s everybody relax.
Also, there’s this: the chairman of Chang Guang acknowledged difficulties caused by U.S. sanctions on the company. Even though “Economic Sanctions Don’t Work.”
