China’s Extensive Satellite Surveillance Over Australia: A New Frontier in Military Intelligence

In an era where space has become a pivotal arena for global military strategies, China’s extensive satellite network meticulously monitors military activities in Australia. Commercial space data recently obtained by ABC News reveals a comprehensive surveillance operation targeting major military exercises, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of international security.

The scope of China’s satellite surveillance has come to the forefront with the revelation that hundreds of Chinese satellites are currently sweeping across Australian skies, focusing on military training operations involving the United States and other regional partners. The intercepted commercial space data provides a detailed account of China’s extensive intelligence-gathering efforts during the “Exercise Talisman Sabre,” which ran earlier this month, and the ongoing “Exercise Malabar” naval drills, underscoring the pivotal role that space has assumed in contemporary warfare strategies.

Gathering Intelligence from Above

In a significant display of its technological prowess, China’s satellites have diligently tracked military exercises in the region. In a development that underscores China’s capability, EOS Space Systems, a Canberra-based defense company, tracked several Chinese satellites as they maneuvered into strategic positions to observe the war games. Specifically, the Shiyan 12-01 satellite and the Shijian-17 and Shijian-23 satellites were detected surveying various locations where the exercises were being conducted. The exhaustive coverage provided by these satellites underscores their ability to glean insights into military capabilities, equipment, and operational processes.

#China deploys swarm of satellites to monitor military exercises in #Australia

Hundreds of Chinese satellites are currently passing over Australia collecting intelligence on military Exercise Malabar involving the US and other partners.https://t.co/1pLUsTvVeu

— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) August 18, 2023

Exercise Malabar, a joint naval exercise involving Australia, the United States, India, and Japan, has seen hundreds of smaller low-orbit satellites (LEOs) observing warships near Sydney Harbour. This concerted effort by China to scrutinize the activities of allied forces reveals the increasing significance of space in contemporary military operations.

Persistent Observation and Military Intelligence

James Bennett, a representative from EOS Space Systems, highlighted the impact of China’s satellite presence on Australian soil. He noted that over 300 satellites had been employed to observe ground-based activities during the Talisman Sabre and Malabar exercises. Moreover, the frequency of overflights has exceeded 3,000 since the commencement of the Malabar exercise last Thursday. This level of “persistent observation” provides Beijing with an unprecedented level of military intelligence, enabling them to monitor mainland and offshore activities closely.

Bennett further explained that China’s satellite surveillance extends beyond mere visual observation. The detailed data collected allows China to glean insights into military equipment, capabilities, and operational procedures, enhancing its understanding of Australia’s defense landscape. The gathered intelligence holds the potential to shape strategic decisions and responses in the event of future conflicts.

Today Exercise Malabar kicks off, and it’s our great honour to host this exercise on behalf of India. #ExMalabar23 provides a wonderful opportunity for Australia, India, Japan and the US to come together. Deepening our relationships and operational capacity between friends. pic.twitter.com/rkybZR8kw1

— Richard Marles (@RichardMarlesMP) August 11, 2023

Australia’s Response and Defense Landscape

While the extent of China’s satellite surveillance activities raises concerns, the Australian Defense Department has refrained from divulging details about their monitoring and mitigation strategies. In a statement, a defense spokesperson acknowledged the significance of space domain awareness efforts and emphasized protecting information security for both Australian and participating forces. This cautious approach aligns with the evolving nature of contemporary warfare, which increasingly features space as a key operational domain.

James Brown, the Chief Executive of the Space Industry Association of Australia, emphasized the expanding role of space in military affairs. He noted the surge in Chinese intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites in recent years, with Australia emerging as a focal point for such activity. The strategic importance of space in potential conflicts is undeniable, and Brown highlighted the stark contrast between China’s capabilities and Australia’s current space capabilities, or lack thereof.

Implications for Australia’s Space Endeavors

The recent decision by the Australian government to terminate a satellite development program has added a layer of irony to the situation. The Labor Party announced discontinuing a program aimed at creating Australian satellites for disaster monitoring, agriculture, and marine surveillance. This move comes at a time when China has demonstrated the utility and power of its satellite network, raising questions about Australia’s preparedness to assert its interests and security in an increasingly contested space domain.

In light of these developments, the absence of a dedicated Australian military satellite network leaves the country at a disadvantage regarding intelligence gathering and strategic awareness. China’s capacity to collect detailed imagery over key Australian regions, as evidenced by its observation of Sydney Harbour, underscores the strategic importance of satellite capabilities in modern warfare scenarios.

🚀 A Long March 3B launched LuDiTanCe-4-01, world's first SAR satellite in (inclined) geosynchronous orbit, from Xichang at ~17:26UTC on August 12. https://t.co/luaW8PJzXs pic.twitter.com/PSfh64w6iT

— China 'N Asia Spaceflight 🚀𝕏 🛰️ (@CNSpaceflight) August 12, 2023

Space Weaponization Concerns

In recent years, China has dramatically increased its presence in space, expanding its satellite spying capabilities by deploying a large number of satellites, and this has raised eyebrows about the potential strategic advantage it might gain in future conflicts. Moreover, its advancements in space technology have been a cause of concern for many nations, including the United States.

A US General told reporters earlier this year that China remains the most challenging threat in space due to the space weapons it has tested and operationalized.

“The most challenging threat is China but also Russia,” said General Bradley Chance Saltzman, the US Chief of Space Operations, speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in February.

“We have to account for the fact that space as a contested domain has fundamentally changed. The character of how we operate in space has to shift, and that’s mostly because of the weapons (China) and Russia have tested and in some cases operationalized,” he added.

Earlier this month, China launched its first geosynchronous orbit synthetic aperture radar satellite, which can provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface. This satellite is expected to enhance China’s military capabilities, as it can be used for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has also expressed concern over Beijing’s potential to put weapons in space and strike its adversaries in the event of a conflict.

Conclusion: Navigating an Uncertain Frontier

The revelation of China’s extensive satellite surveillance activities over Australian military exercises has highlighted the evolving nature of global security dynamics. As the importance of space as a strategic domain continues to grow, nations like China are leveraging satellite technology to gain a competitive edge in intelligence gathering and strategic decision-making. Australia’s own space endeavors and capabilities are put under the spotlight, prompting questions about the nation’s readiness to navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex security landscape.

In an era where satellite networks extend the boundaries of conventional conflict, the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to space operations becomes paramount for nations seeking to safeguard their interests and security.