October 25th, 2024

Putin Reportedly Asked Elon Musk Not to Activate Starlink over Taiwan

Elon Musk has communicated with Vladimir Putin since late 2022, discussing various topics, including a request to not activate Starlink over Taiwan, raising national security concerns amid Musk's political endorsements.

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Putin Reportedly Asked Elon Musk Not to Activate Starlink over Taiwan

Elon Musk has reportedly maintained communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022, discussing various topics including geopolitical issues. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Putin requested Musk not to activate Starlink satellites over Taiwan as a favor to Chinese President Xi Jinping. This request comes amid Musk's involvement in the U.S. presidential election, where he has endorsed former President Donald Trump, who has also been linked to ongoing communications with Putin. Musk has faced allegations regarding the sale of Starlink terminals to Russia, which he has denied. The implications of Musk's communications with Putin raise national security concerns, given Musk's significant business ties with the U.S. military and federal agencies. Despite these concerns, federal officials reportedly have not raised alarms about potential security breaches from Musk's interactions with Putin. Musk previously stated that he had only spoken to Putin once, focusing on space-related topics. The situation highlights the complex interplay between business, politics, and international relations, particularly as Musk's influence grows in both the tech industry and political spheres.

- Elon Musk has been in contact with Vladimir Putin since late 2022.

- Putin requested Musk not to activate Starlink over Taiwan for China's benefit.

- Musk has denied allegations of selling Starlink terminals to Russia.

- Concerns exist regarding Musk's communications with Putin and national security.

- Musk's endorsement of Trump intertwines business and political interests.

Link Icon 2 comments
By @frankacter - 6 months
This doesn't line up with the facts of what has been known prior.

Taiwan law requires foreign communication providers to be a joint partnership with the Taiwan entity controlling majority stake. This was a deal breaker with StarLink and the talks fell apart.

>Taipei has been exploring ways to acquire satellite internet technology since 2018, including in talks with SpaceX. But Mr. Musk balked at a requirement that any foreign entity involved in communications infrastructure be a joint venture with a local partner that would hold a majority stake. Mr. Musk considered this “totally unacceptable,”

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/14/business/taiwan-starlink-...

By @moosedman - 6 months
I'm not one of those reflexive Elon Haters, or onboard with the most leftwing radicals. I consider myself pretty middle of the road, but I am American and I believe that traitors should be dealt with as traitors. The United States (including control of our space assets) cannot be taking orders from Putin, a man who wants us destroyed. Elon must face the full consequences of his treason, including the ultimate punishment.