> If the USA did not, I don't see what would prevent China from shooting down Starlink's constellation.

Except China, does any other country have the ability to do this?

With US government permission, Starlink could ignore the radio licensing rules of Iran, South Africa or even the EU.

> Except China, does any other country have the ability to do this?

Any country capable of launching satellites or even sounding rockets could almost certainly do enough damage to majorly disrupt operations. Certainly the EU or Iran, possibly South Africa with the recent resumption of rocket launches at OTB.

It then turn down to "soft" warfare. Iran will give some guy a missile to shoot your cargo ship. I'd like them to do that for countries that can't do anything though (ie: some countries in Africa). Good for the citizenry and no side-effects.