A joint investigation by The Insider, Der Spiegel, and Le Monde revealed a "joint plan" by China and Russia to "defeat Elon Musk’s Starlink." The inquiry, based on leaked documents, details extensive military cooperation between the two nations, including specific strategies to counter SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband network. Presentations from a 2023 China-Russia Military-Technical Cooperation Forum highlighted this focus.

Experts suggest that while China and Russia are developing their own satellite constellations, they are far behind SpaceX's current network of over 10,000 satellites. However, China's advancements in reusable rocket technology could accelerate its deployment capabilities. The use of Starlink by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia has amplified concerns, with Russian officials previously stating that Western commercial satellites used in wartime become legitimate military targets.

Countering Starlink presents significant challenges due to its proliferated nature and interconnectedness. Proposed strategies by Chinese researchers include diplomatic pressure, regulatory filings to limit SpaceX's growth, and electromagnetic jamming. The collaboration between China and Russia on this matter is seen as more concerning than independent efforts by either nation.