The Corruption of the CCP’s Satellite Launch Center Deserves Attention

A Long March-2C rocket, carrying the Einstein Probe satellite, lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Xichang, in southwestern China's Sichuan Province on Jan. 9, 2024. STR/AFP via Getty Images

Commentary

As Taiwan approached its election day, China launched a satellite on Jan. 9 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) in southwest China. Nonetheless, the trajectory of the satellite launch rocket displayed abnormalities as it passed through Taiwan’s air defense identification zone and triggered a national-level air defense alert in Taiwan. Concurrently with China’s cracking down on corrupt rocket forces, many leading figures purged have had work experience or relations with the satellite launch centers responsible for missile launches—in particular, the XSLC.

Xichang Satellite Launch Center

Public data show there are four satellite launch centers in China: Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, and Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (which is under the jurisdiction of Xichang Satellite Launch Center).