China strongly warned against turning outer space into a battlefield after the United States confirmed for the first time that it has weapons deployed in orbit. Russian officials also insisted that space must remain free of any weapons.
A US Space Force spokesperson stated that America now operates on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending its forces against hostile actions. The statement gave no specific details about the type or number of systems but confirmed they can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes. These capabilities include kinetic and non-kinetic tools such as lasers, electromagnetic interference, or cyber methods that can disrupt enemy satellites.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded firmly. He said Beijing opposes the weaponisation of outer space and urged the United States to stop expanding its military presence there. Russia’s Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov echoed the call, saying Moscow wants broad international efforts to keep space completely demilitarised.
Analysts noted that the US announcement simply confirmed what many already suspected. However, making it public at this moment risks raising tensions with China and accelerating a space arms race. Both China and Russia view space as a critical domain for future conflicts and have been developing their own counterspace capabilities.
The militarisation of space began decades ago with the launch of Sputnik in 1957. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty banned nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction in orbit, but it left room for other types of systems. Countries including the US, Russia, China, and India have since tested ways to target satellites that are essential for military communications, surveillance, and navigation.
Independent military commentator Song Zhongping said the US move was expected. He warned that China will not remain passive and already operates its own space station. Any decision by Beijing to deploy weapons would depend entirely on Washington’s next steps.
Experts point out that a clear international legal framework is still missing. Discussions on responsible behaviour versus a full ban on space weapons are expected at the next United Nations disarmament meeting.
