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China has deployed hundreds of satellites over Australia to collect intelligence on military training activities involving the United States and other regional partners. Commercial space data obtained by the ABC reveals the extent of Beijing’s surveillance on the recently completed “Exercise Talisman Sabre” and the ongoing “Exercise Malabar”.

During Talisman Sabre, three Chinese geostationary orbit satellites maneuvered into position over northern Australia to monitor the war games. Chinese satellites, including the Shiyan 12-01, Shijian-17, and Shijian-23, were detected observing the exercises in multiple areas. Since the start of Exercise Malabar, hundreds of smaller low-orbit satellites have been tracking warships around Sydney Harbour.

James Bennett from EOS Space Systems, a Canberra-based defense company, states that over 300 satellites have been surveying ground-based activities during these exercises, with over 3,000 flights completed since the start of Exercise Malabar. This level of activity allows China to gather detailed information about the capabilities and equipment, as well as the processes of ground military activities in Australia.

Space is recognized as a crucial domain for modern war-fighting operations. China’s recent space activities were monitored and identified using telescopes stationed outside Canberra and Learmonth in Western Australia. According to Dr. Bennett, the large number of Chinese satellites above Australia provides Beijing with persistent observation and valuable intelligence on military operations in Australia.

While the Defense Department has declined to provide specific details on how it is monitoring and mitigating the risks posed by Chinese satellite activity, a defense spokesperson assured that prudent measures are being taken to safeguard the information security of Australian and participating forces.

James Brown, the chief executive of the Space Industry Association of Australia, highlights the increasing presence of Chinese satellites in space and their potential impact on future conflicts. He remarks that China has hundreds of military and intelligence satellites, while Australia lacks military satellites and the capability to gather similar imagery.

In June, the Labor party announced the scrapping of a program to develop Australian satellites for gathering data on natural disasters, agriculture, and marine surveillance. Critics argue that this move leaves Australia reliant on foreign sources for satellite imagery and observations.

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