The Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, published an article titled “Chinese satellite company refutes US accusation”, denying U.S. claims that Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd aided Iran-backed Houthi forces by providing satellite imagery for attacks on US and international vessels in the Red Sea.
Fact Check Summary:
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The article heavily relies on denial without evidence, which is a common propaganda technique.
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Technical arguments are used to obscure or distract from the geopolitical accusation.
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Framing positions China as a peace-promoting actor while casting the U.S. as an aggressor.
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The article excludes independent verification, relying only on Chinese government-linked sources.
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There is no evidence provided to substantiate the claim that the accusations are entirely false.
Background of the Claim
According to Fox News, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce accused Chang Guang Satellite Technology of “directly aiding Iran-backed Houthi rebels” through satellite imagery, allegedly used to guide attacks on maritime targets in the Red Sea.
In response, the Global Times article presented:
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A complete denial by the satellite company.
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A technical defense by Hu Bo, affiliated with a Chinese think tank.
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A diplomatic framing by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
Denial Without Independent Evidence
“Chang Guang Satellite Technology said that the company firmly opposed the US groundless accusation…such claims are completely fabricated and maliciously slanderous.”
This is a classic defensive propaganda stance: strong condemnation of allegations without providing verifiable counter-evidence. There’s no transparency about the company’s commercial clients, satellite data access logs, or operational details that could corroborate their innocence.
Use of Technical Obfuscation
“It is technically difficult for any global commercial remote sensing satellite constellation…to achieve such a capability…”
The article uses technical limitations as a shield. While it is true that commercial satellites typically lack real-time tracking capabilities, this does not rule out potential collaboration or indirect support. Furthermore, non-real-time imagery can still provide strategic assistance, such as identifying ship routes, ports, or maritime traffic patterns.
This technique is known as “technical distraction”—bringing in complex data to confuse or overwhelm the audience, diverting attention from the central issue.
Selective Sourcing and Lack of Independent Verification
All the sources cited are:
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The company itself.
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A director from SCSPI, a known Chinese government-affiliated think tank.
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The Chinese Foreign Ministry.
There is no mention of:
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Neutral third-party satellite monitoring experts.
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International space governance organizations.
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Independent cybersecurity or defense analysts.
This is a clear example of “one-sided framing”, where all evidence supports the state narrative without acknowledging opposing viewpoints.
Diplomatic Framing: “China as a Peace Promoter”
“Who is promoting talks for peace and cooling down the situation…China urges relevant countries to do what is conducive to regional peace…”
This narrative reframes the accusation in moral and diplomatic terms, suggesting that China is the responsible actor, while the U.S. is the one escalating tensions. This reframing moves the conversation away from the specific technical and intelligence-based allegations to a broader ideological debate.
This is “whataboutism” and moral equivalence, commonly used in state propaganda to deflect criticism by pointing fingers elsewhere.
Absence of Key Context
The article fails to mention:
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The specific evidence cited by U.S. intelligence (if classified or based on satellite interception logs).
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The wider geopolitical context involving Iranian proxies, the Red Sea conflict, and maritime security threats.
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Past activities or affiliations of Chang Guang Satellite that might connect them to dual-use technologies or controversial clients.
This deliberate omission is a propaganda technique called “context suppression”.
The Global Times article titled “Chinese satellite company refutes US accusation” is framed as a factual rebuttal but functions more as a state-sponsored propaganda piece. It blends denial, technical confusion, and diplomatic moral framing to challenge the U.S. narrative without offering credible counter-evidence.
References:
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Global Times: “Chinese satellite company refutes US accusation” (April 2025)
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Fox News: [Report on U.S. Accusations Against Chang Guang Satellite]
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South China Sea Probing Initiative (SCSPI): Organizational Background
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Reuters & Defense News: Reports on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea
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Satellite Industry Association: Commercial satellite capabilities and limitations
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Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): Red Sea Threat Analysis (2024)
