China berates US after ‘close encounters’ with Elon Musk satellites

Beijing urges US to act responsibly after two near misses that it says posed serious threat to astronauts' lives

China has accused the US of ignoring international treaty obligations and engaging in irresponsible and unsafe conduct in outer space after two near misses between the Chinese space station and satellites operated by Elon Musk's SpaceX company.

Zhao Lijian, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said on Tuesday that China urges the US to act responsibly" after incidents involving SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which he said had posed a serious threat to the lives and safety of astronauts.