China Warns of New Arms Race in Space

Beijing called on Washington to halt the expansion of its military capabilities and preparations for conflict in space after the US Space Force confirmed for the first time that the United States has deployed weapons in orbit.

The Space Force said it possesses “space-based weapons in orbit” capable of defending US forces against enemy attacks. It provided no further details.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the move and warned against the militarization of outer space, turning it into a battlefield and triggering a new arms race. “We call on the U.S. side to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in space,” ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.

In its announcement, Washington identified China as a threat, saying Beijing is developing both space and counterspace capabilities as part of its military modernization. It also pointed to Russia, which it said regards dominance in space as a decisive factor in future conflicts.

The United States, China, Russia and India are all developing capabilities that could be used in a conflict in space, including attacks on satellites critical to military communications, reconnaissance and navigation.

(straitstimes, bak)