IN FOCUS
By Avishka Ashok 

The Chinese Satellite Internet Technology

In July 2021, China Central Television reported that China had successfully completed its first test of a Chinese version of the “Starlink” that was originally developed by Elon Musk. China aims to develop low-orbit broadband satellites capable of 5G network. The tests were conducted in Beijing and Jinan. The idea of a Starlink enables a global communication network that can be accessed from the remotest areas of the world. 

The Chinese Satellite Internet Technology
The space agency in China first sent the Hongyun engineering technology verification satellite and seven other satellites in December 2018. The constellation will be functional from 2022 and will assist global mobile applications, IoT and navigation augmentation. The second phase of the constellation will be operational from 2025 and will establish hundreds of broadband communication satellites in the orbit. China has also contacted the International Telecommunication Union to receive access to the orbital and radio frequency bands. The two giant satellite constellations consist of 6,080 networked satellites at 508km-600km and 6,912 networked satellites at 1,145km. 

The Central government in China is also prioritizing the development of satellite internet since April 2020 when the National Development and Reforms Commission brought the project under “new infrastructure”. The reform was initiated to facilitate the quick development of the satellite internet infrastructure. As a ripple effect, local governments are also highlighting satellite technology and are trying to make it the main development target. The satellite internet market is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades in China. It is expected to reach USD 15.5 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the global satellite internet market is also growing at a fast pace and expects to to reach USD 45 billion in the same period. The Chinese space equipment and facilities will be used by at least one third of the world by 2020.

The need for satellite internet
Another reason for China’s investment in the satellite internet industry is the Belt and Road Initiative. The sparsely populated areas in remote parts of the country and along the new silk route will also need high speed internet for the smooth and seamless functioning of the complex and interconnected trade and transport route. 

The country is fast investing and developing the industry to quickly match up with the international markets and remain relevant in the sector. 

References
Tom Kang, “China's version of 'Starlink' completes trial,” CnTechPost, 26 July 2021
Brian Waidelich, “A Chinese Starlink? PRC Views on Building a Satellite Internet Megaconstellation,” Indian Strategic Studies, 29 October 2021

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Keerthana Nambiar

INTERNAL
China reveals first real-time glacier monitoring system
On 31 October, Chinese scientists launched the country’s first real-time glacier monitoring system in the Southwest province of Yunnan. The system collects real time information on glacial melting and accumulation, glacial velocity, ice quakes, temperature, humidity, pressure to better understand the effects of global warming on glaciers. The team of scientists mentioned that the system will be used along with drones to effectively acquire accurate information. The system is currently launched near Lijiang in Yunnan's Yulong Snow Mountain and will later be expanded to Xizang (Tibet). (Huang Lanian, “China launches 1st real-time glacier monitoring system in SW.China’s Yunnan, ‘expected to expand to Xizang (Tibet)’,” Global Times, 31 October 2021)

China implements new personal information law passed in August
On 01 November, China’s new Personal Information Protection legislation came into effect. It was adopted in the 30th session of the 13th National People’s Congress Standing Committee in August. The law protects the personal information of Chinese citizens, especially on multiple online platforms. The law requires online platforms with a large number of users to fix elaborate rules for the regulation of user behaviour so as to secure data collection and processing activities on the platform. Discriminatory practices and differentiated pricings based on users’ profiles is prohibited under the law. The activities shall be strictly monitored and violations will be punished. (“China's personal information law comes into effect,” People’s Daily, 01 November 2021)

REGIONAL
Taiwan warned off the eight Chinese aircraft in Taiwan’s ADIZ
On 31 October, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said that Taiwan’s air force scrambled to warn off eight Chinese aircraft entering its air defense zone. The Chinese aircraft included six J-16 fighters, one anti-submarine aircraft, and one surveillance aircraft according to the Defense Ministry. For more than a year, Taiwan has complained of the repeated missions conducted by China’s air force near the island. (“Taiwan scrambles jets as Chinese air force enters air defence zone,” Reuters, 31 October 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
Beijing responds to the 90-day US Intelligence review on Covid-19 origin
On 31 October, the Chinese Foreign Ministry lashed out against the US intelligence review on the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic claiming it “political and false” and warning Washington to stop attacking China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, “No matter how many times this report is published and how many versions are concocted, it cannot change the nature of this being entirely political and false.” The response came in after the US office of the Director of National Intelligence released a full version of the findings ordered by President Joe Biden from a 90-day review.  (“China rejects US intelligence report on Covid origins as ‘political and false’,” The Guardian, 31 October 2021)

Chinese Foreign Minister meets with US Secretary of State; urges change in “wrong China policy”
On 31 October, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Rome, Italy. During the meeting, both representatives emphasized on the consensus reached by the two Presidents and also on the preparations for next exchanges. On the current situation in Taiwan Straits, Wang stressed that the US should realise the ‘one China’ policy and accept that Taiwan is part of China. Blinken, on the other hand, emphasized the US willingness to manage differences responsibly and avoid crisis or confrontation. The two sides discussed issues like climate change, energy supply, Korean and Iranian nuclear issues, Myanmar and Afghanistan in great detail. (“Chinese FM urges U.S. to change its wrong China policy,” Xinhua Net, 01 November 2021) 

President Xi calls on countries for digital regulation and applies for the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement
On 31 October, President Xi Jinping declared that China will apply to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement which will strengthen international cooperation on digital regulation. The Partnership currently covers New Zealand, Singapore and China. During the virtual speech at the G-20 Summit, Xi Jinping said, “China attaches great importance to international cooperation on the digital economy.” President Xi added that “China stands ready to work with all parties for the healthy and orderly development of the digital economy.” He called on the countries to work towards digital governance which weathers an open, just, and mom-discriminatory environment for digital development. (“China to Apply to Join Digital Economy Partnership Agreement,” Bloomberg, 31 October 2021)

US and EU form a new metal alliance to counter China’s steel sector
On 31 October, The European Union and United States announced a new metals alliance which would block the steel from China. The US President Joe Biden said, the alliance would, “restrict access to our markets for dirty steel, from countries like China.” He added that, “countries that dump steel on our markets, hammering our workers and harming them badly, both the industry and the environment.” According to South China Morning Post, the agreement seems to be another cooperation which targets China. (“US and EU strike metals pact to take on China’s ‘steel dumping’,” South China Morning Post, 31 October 2021)

President Xi Jinping calls on G20 members to take concrete action for climate change
On 31 October, as the COP26 convened, President Xi Jinping addressed a G20 session and called on the members to take concrete actions for global challenges of climate change and energy issues. He asked the G20 members to take the lead of the international community to honour the green pledges of developed countries and to support the developing countries with their financial needs for the same. Citing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, he reiterated China’s contributions for the cause and its responsibilities towards carbon neutrality. He also stressed on developing new and advanced technologies and lowering the cost of reducing emissions as an important sustainable step for climate protection. (Chen Qingqing, Zhao Yusha and Yan Yuzhu, “Xi calls for concrete actions on climate change,” Global Times, 31 October 2021)