China has urged the United States to stop expanding its military presence in outer space after Washington acknowledged having weapons deployed in orbit, raising fresh concerns about an escalating space arms race.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing opposes the weaponization of space and called on Washington to help maintain global strategic stability.
The statement followed remarks by U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink that the United States has on-orbit space-control weapons intended to defend its forces against hostile actions. U.S. officials have not disclosed what types of weapons are deployed.
China's state-backed Global Times warned that the development could encourage other countries to strengthen their own space-based military capabilities.
Russia has also criticized the U.S. acknowledgement, saying armed conflict in orbit could threaten long-term stability and activities that depend on space infrastructure.
Photo: Reuters
