World · India Bureau
China warns US against military expansion in space
Beijing has urged Washington to cease its military build-up in orbital space, cautioning against an escalating arms race and the weaponisation of the outer space domain. The warning underscores mounting tensions between the two powers over space-based military capabilities.
LSN India ·
China has called on the United States to halt what it describes as a military build-up in space, warning that such activities could trigger an arms race beyond Earth's atmosphere. The statement reflects Beijing's growing concerns over the weaponisation of outer space and represents the latest flashpoint in US-China competition over emerging military domains.
The Chinese position emphasises the need for international restraint in space operations and advocates for collaborative mechanisms to prevent the militarisation of orbital zones. Beijing has previously raised similar concerns at international forums, positioning itself as a proponent of peaceful space exploration and utilisation.
The warning comes amid broader US military modernisation efforts, including enhanced space capabilities and orbital surveillance systems. Washington has established the Space Force as a dedicated military branch and increased investments in space-based defence infrastructure, which Beijing views with strategic concern.
The issue reflects deeper anxieties on both sides regarding space supremacy and the strategic advantages conferred by advanced orbital technologies. As both nations expand their space programmes and military capabilities, the risk of an uncontrolled arms race has emerged as a significant concern for regional and global security analysts.