China has punished a foreign vessel caught using Starlink inside its
territorial waters, setting a precedent for tougher enforcement against
unauthorised satellite internet at sea.

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Chinese Waters appeared first on Orbital Today.

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#^Beijing Sends Stark Warning as Ship Caught Using Starlink in Chinese Waters

China has taken its toughest action yet against the unauthorised use of foreign satellite internet, penalising a foreign vessel caught using Starlink inside its territorial waters.

According to state-linked media, the incident marks the first successful regulatory enforcement targeting illegal low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications at sea, underscoring Beijing’s growing determination to defend what it sees as national communications security.

Discovery At A Key Chinese Port

The case emerged during a routine inspection at Ningbo Port, one of China’s busiest maritime hubs. Maritime law enforcement officers spotted a “micro rectangular antenna” mounted on the vessel’s top deck, equipment they said was “significantly different from standard maritime safety communication equipment.”

Further investigation confirmed the hardware was a LEO satellite communication device manufactured by a foreign company. While officials avoided naming the brand, photographs published alongside the report clearly showed a Starlink terminal.

Crucially, the ship was found to have continued transmitting data after entering Chinese territorial waters, a direct violation of Chinese telecommunications and radio regulations.

Why Starlink Is Treated As A Security Threat

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is banned in China and has never received a licence to operate there. Beijing views the service as a national security risk because it routes data directly to overseas gateways rather than through domestic infrastructure.

Under Chinese law, all satellite communications within the country must be routed through approved domestic gateways. Any use of radio equipment or frequencies also requires official authorisation, which is permission that Starlink devices do not have.

Authorities warned that unauthorised satellite terminals could interfere with other wireless systems and potentially create maritime safety risks. As a result, vessels equipped with Starlink are required to disable the system when entering Chinese waters.

A Crackdown Long In The Making

The report described the incident as the first time Chinese regulators have successfully addressed the “illegal use of LEO satellite communication” at sea, adding that enforcement has historically been difficult due to challenges in data tracking and device identification.

“Relevant illegal activities have long remained unaddressed,” the report said, noting that many international vessels may have continued using Starlink or similar systems inside Chinese waters.

China has steadily tightened its legal framework around satellite and telecommunications services. A new regulation covering direct-to-device satellite services came into force in June, reinforcing existing bans on foreign companies providing basic telecoms services in the country.

Enforcement Set To Intensify

While authorities did not disclose the exact penalty imposed on the vessel or its owner, maritime officials in Ningbo said the case would serve as a warning. They pledged to continue cracking down on similar violations, signalling tougher enforcement ahead for international shipping passing through Chinese waters.

The post Beijing Sends Stark Warning as Ship Caught Using Starlink in Chinese Waters appeared first on Orbital Today.