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China has reportedly deployed a swarm of reconnaissance satellites to monitor two major military exercises involving the US and Australia. The satellites were observed collecting intelligence from the recently concluded Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia. Among the satellites detected was China’s Shiyan 12-01, which maneuvered into position below the equator to monitor the war games. Additionally, the Shijian-17 and Shijian-23 satellites were tracked drifting easterly to observe multiple areas where the exercise took place.

The Chinese satellites are also monitoring the ongoing Exercise Malabar naval drills. Over 300 satellites are said to be surveying the activities and have already accumulated over 3,000 flight hours since August 10 when Malabar began.

James Bennett, an official from Australian defense firm EOS Space Systems, stated that the large number of Chinese satellites in low orbit above Australia gives China the ability to gain knowledge about equipment capabilities and ground military activities.

China’s increased satellite spying highlights its growing presence in space. The country has been testing and operationalizing space weapons, making it the most challenging threat in space, according to a US General. Furthermore, China recently launched its first geosynchronous orbit synthetic aperture radar satellite. US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has warned about China’s potential to place weapons in space and use them against adversaries in the event of a conflict.

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