China Calls for U.S. to Halt Militarization of Space Amid Rising Tensions

On September 15, 2026, China urged the United States to cease its military preparations in outer space following the U.S. Space Force's announcement of deploying weapons into orbit for the first time. This development has heightened concerns over the militarization of space, a domain that has become increasingly contentious between the two global powers.

U.S. Space Force's Recent Deployment

The U.S. Space Force revealed on September 14 that it had successfully deployed "on-orbit space control weapons" designed to defend against potential hostile actions. While the specifics of these weapons were not disclosed, the announcement marked a notable escalation in the military capabilities being developed for space operations.

China's Response and Concerns

In response, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, voiced strong opposition to the U.S. actions, emphasizing the need to prevent the "weaponization of outer space" and warning against turning it into a battlefield. Guo urged the U.S. to halt its expansion of military capabilities that could trigger an arms race in this uncharted territory.

Geopolitical Context and Historical Background

The tension between Beijing and Washington is rooted in their ongoing rivalry for strategic dominance in space. The U.S. Space Force's announcement specifically identified China, alongside Russia, as a primary threat, alleging that both nations are actively developing military capabilities aimed at gaining an upper hand in space operations. This concern over the militarization of space has historical roots, dating back to the Cold War and the launch of Sputnik in 1957, which prompted both superpowers to explore military options in orbit.

Source: www.thehindu.com