Chinese authorities have fined a foreign vessel for using Starlink satellite internet in the country’s territorial waters for the first time. The violation was discovered during a port inspection: the Starlink terminal remained active after the vessel entered Chinese waters.
Starlink is not licensed in China, and its operation violates national telecommunications and data transmission regulations. The name of the vessel and the amount of the fine have not been officially disclosed, but authorities emphasize that this is a precedent, not a one-time measure.
⚠️ In such cases, not only fines are possible, but also:
— equipment confiscation
— vessel detention in port
— additional inspections
This is a clear signal to shipping companies and crews: unlicensed satellite communications systems must be completely disabled when entering Chinese territorial waters.
📌 Starlink, despite its widespread use worldwide, is officially banned in China. Enforcement of this rule will be strengthened.стання у світі, в Китаї офіційно заборонено. Контроль за дотриманням цього правила буде посилено.