China warned on Thursday that the deployment of weapons in space risks transforming Earth’s orbit into a new arena of competition between major powers, following a US acknowledgement that it has “operational weapons” in orbit.
Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said Beijing was concerned that further militarisation of space could accelerate an international arms race and threaten long-term space security.
“The US push to weaponize outer space and turn it into a battlefield will only intensify the space arms race, make outer space a new arena for rivalry among major powers and ultimately undermine humanity’s shared home,” Jiang told reporters in Beijing.
His comments came in response to remarks earlier this month by US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink, who said the US Space Force possesses “operational weapons” in orbit capable of responding to threats from adversaries, according to the Global Times.
Jiang contrasted the US approach with China’s stated position that outer space should be used for peaceful purposes.
“China has consistently advocated the peaceful use of outer space and has played a constructive role in safeguarding space security and promoting a community with a shared future for humanity in outer space,” he said.
The exchange highlights growing strategic competition over space capabilities as major powers increasingly view satellites and other orbital systems as important components of national security and military operations.