Some are calling for a stop to the export of satellites to China. Others say that such exports benefit American companies, consumers, and the country. The White House says that licenses or waivers for satellite exports to China do not authorize the transfer of sensitive missile technology. The policy is intended to allow American exporters to compete while protecting U.S. security interests. Some also consider the benefits of the Pentagon having access to the secretive Chinese aerospace and missile complex.
Some supporters also argue that satellite broadcasts promote the spread of democratic values.
The Chinese argue that commercial space launches are part of what they call defense conversion, defense industries doing civilian business. Critics say that allowing China to launch U.S.-origin satellites indirectly subsidizes and assists China's missile research and development efforts. The technology and know-how used in launching satellites are similar to those used in ballistic missiles. Secondly, some say that although an individual piece of technology or technical assistance may not be significant, assistance given over time has a cumulative effect of conveying valuable expertise. Third, U.S.-China cooperation has been characterized by a tension between a certain unreliability of Chinese rockets and the interests of American companies to have successful launches.