China calls for US to ‘stop preparing for war in outer space’

China’s foreign ministry has urged the US to cease preparations for war in outer space following the deployment of weapons into orbit by the US Space Force. The US Space Force announced on Monday the deployment of on-orbit space control weapons, which are designed to defend against hostile adversary action. However, China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, expressed concern over the weaponization of outer space, describing it as a potential battlefield and an arms race.

He urged the US to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space. The US Space Force highlighted China as a threat, stating that Beijing develops and operates space and counterspace capabilities as part of its military modernization strategy. Russia was also mentioned as a rival, as it believes space supremacy will be a decisive factor in future conflicts.

The militarization of space is not a new development, having begun with the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957. While the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 banned weapons of mass destruction in orbit, the US, China, Russia, and India have since explored ways to engage in space-based warfare outside of the treaty.