China urges US to cease preparations for space warfare

China has called on the United States to stop preparing for space warfare following the US Space Force's confirmation that it has deployed orbital weapons. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun warned that such developments could trigger a space arms race and urged Washington to cease the development of military capabilities in orbit.

The US Space Force stated that its orbital space control weapons are capable of defending armed forces against hostile actions. These capabilities, which can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, are part of the planned ‘Golden Dome’ defense system intended to protect the US from missile and aerial threats.

US Air Force Deputy Secretary Troy Hankins noted that orbital weapons are necessary to shield American forces against evolving threats, though specific details regarding the weapon's capabilities or deployment timeline were not provided. The US Space Force also noted that geopolitical rivals China and Russia view space as a potential theater of conflict, with China modernizing its space military capabilities and Russia viewing space superiority as a decisive factor in future conflicts.