Similar argument was presented a few years ago, but:1. Back then it was argued Chinese launch rate is high due to them completing their BeiDou constellation. Yet today they already completed it, but their launch rate is higher than ever.2. Do we have any evidence that Chinese satellite's lifespan is shorter than the US? I don't think so.3. As shown by megaconstellations, a somewhat shorter lifespan for satellite can be a feature instead of a bug, because it allows frequent refreshing of satellite hardware. Also longer lifespan means higher cost, those "billion dollar targets" as a US general puts it is not a good idea in the age of ASAT weapons.4. Even if we accept that China's launch rate is due to them completing many things US already has (it's not), it still means China is catching up to US fast, while US is like a turtle that barely moves, not a good position to be.So yes, in the end everybody's launch rate is to serve their national goals, the problem is US national goal in space would look pretty pathetic comparing to China, without the help from SpaceX.
Starlink launches have nothing to do with US national goals in space.
So in 2022 US is able to surpass China in number of launches, thanks again to SpaceX. And it was able to do this without counting on Rocket Lab launches from New Zealand.