According to multiple sources cited by Nikkei Asia, American space exploration technology company SpaceX is taking measures to ensure that its operations and supply chain are not influenced by any Chinese factors.
Sources familiar with the matter said that SpaceX has sent teams to audit existing and potential suppliers. They have required all partners in their supply chain not to assign or hire Chinese citizens to work in factory areas where products for SpaceX are produced, nor to use systems or equipment manufactured by Chinese companies.
A senior executive from a relevant industry stated: “One of SpaceX's key focuses is determining whether any Chinese-staffed managers, employees, or executives exist, even if the factory is located outside of China. They require these individuals to be removed from all service areas of SpaceX and related projects, otherwise warnings will be issued stating that they will not be able to place orders with relevant companies.”
"Our executives from all suppliers for SpaceX have stated that none of our equipment can be used with parts supplied by Chinese companies, and we must also ensure that the employees and engineers sent to support SpaceX are non-Chinese citizens. If these requirements cannot be met, our product lines will fail to pass audit."
Bloomberg previously reported that if SpaceX were to pursue large-scale orbital infrastructure construction, it would inevitably require a massive amount of key minerals and photovoltaic materials. Most of the production capacity for gallium and polycrystalline silicon is controlled by China. In an environment where geopolitical tensions are intensifying, this strategic weakness becomes even more prominent.
