Elon Musk is reportedly facing pressure from US lawmakers, led by Wisconsin GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher, to offer SpaceX’s Starshield satellite network for defense purposes in Taiwan, as per Forbes.

In a letter obtained by Forbes, Rep. Gallagher reminded Musk of SpaceX’s contractual obligation to provide the US Defense Department access to its satellite communications service. While it’s unclear if other members of Congress joined Gallagher in signing the letter, a group of lawmakers is said to be advocating for SpaceX’s satellite access for US defense forces in Taiwan.

Gallagher, who chairs the House select committee on the Chinese Communist Party, emphasized in the letter that the Department of Defense (DoD) had allocated significant funds for Starshield, a satellite network designed for government use. The network, operating in low-Earth orbit, facilitates critical internet access, particularly in remote or crisis-affected areas, and has played a vital role in Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.

Expressing concerns about SpaceX potentially withholding broadband services around Taiwan, Gallagher underscored the importance of a robust communication network for US military personnel in the Indo-Pacific region, especially given the looming threat of Chinese aggression towards Taiwan.

The letter urged Musk to brief the select panel on Starshield’s capabilities in Taiwan by March 8. While it’s deemed unlikely that Musk could be compelled to deploy Starshield to Taiwan solely based on lawmakers’ requests, the report highlights the significance of SpaceX’s contracts with the military.

Gallagher’s efforts align with a bipartisan delegation’s recent visit to Taiwan, aiming to reaffirm US support for the island nation’s security interests amid escalating tensions with China.

However, Musk’s potential involvement in providing satellite services to Taiwan presents challenges, considering his substantial business interests in China, where Tesla maintains significant manufacturing operations.

Musk’s past remarks on the Taiwan-China relationship have sparked controversy. In 2022, he suggested resolving the conflict by considering Taiwan as a “special administrative zone,” akin to Hong Kong. Taiwanese officials strongly rejected Musk’s characterization of Taiwan as part of China, emphasizing the island’s independent governance since 1949.

As of now, neither Gallagher’s office nor SpaceX has responded to requests for comments regarding the matter.