Czechia bans Chinese satellite station in Moravia

The Czech government has barred the Chinese company Emposat from operating a satellite station in the town of Hodonín (South Moravia), citing national security concerns, according to a report by media outlet Seznam Zprávy this morning. The decision marks the first time authorities have invoked the strictest measures under the country’s foreign investment screening law.

The resolution states that Emposat’s investment, which includes the construction and operation of a satellite facility equipped with a 7.3-meter parabolic antenna, could pose a threat to Czech national security or public order.

Industry Ministry spokesman Marek Vošahlík declined to provide further details, citing the classified nature of the matter. However, he noted that the investment had minimal economic impact but carried significant security implications.

The Czech Security Information Service (BIS), the country’s counterintelligence agency, played a key role in the decision. “The information obtained during the investment assessment was shared with the appropriate authorities,” said BIS spokesman Ladislav Šticha, without elaborating on specific risks associated with the project.

According to Seznam Zprávy, Emposat has close ties to the state-owned Chinese Academy of Sciences. In the Czech Republic, the company reportedly used the services of Brno-based Pekasat, which is constructing its own satellite ground station in Vlkos. Pekasat, however, denies any financial or operational collaboration with Emposat.

“Emposat has rented space from us and installed an antenna. That is the extent of our involvement. We are not responsible for their operations,” said Pekasat director Michal Tulek. Following the ministry’s decision, the Chinese firm will likely have to dismantle its antenna.

Czech counterintelligence has repeatedly warned of potential security threats linked to Chinese investments. Last October, BIS Director Michal Koudelka cautioned that China seeks to present itself as a friendly partner while simultaneously working to undermine democratic institutions. The agency’s 2023 annual report further highlighted concerns over Beijing’s efforts to leverage diplomatic and academic channels for intelligence gathering.

According to the BIS, one area that poses a threat is Czechia’s reliance on China for medicine. "We cannot imagine what would happen if China stopped its production of medicines for Europe as a result of an international crisis or conflict," Koudelka said two years ago.

The decision underscores growing European scrutiny over Chinese technological investments, particularly in strategic sectors with national security implications.