Russia, China urge ban on weapons in outer space amid US tensions

Russia has renewed calls for outer space to be kept free from weaponry, positioning itself alongside China in opposing what Beijing characterises as American military preparations beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The statement reflects deepening concerns among Moscow and Beijing over space militarisation, particularly regarding US activities and policies in the orbital domain. China's condemnation of Washington's approach underscores the growing divide between Western and non-Western powers over the future governance of space exploration and security.

The issue has become increasingly contentious as technological advances enable more sophisticated military applications in space. Russia's emphasis on keeping the cosmos weapon-free aligns with its broader foreign policy objectives, while China's parallel stance strengthens the coordination between the two nations on space policy matters.

The disagreement highlights fundamental differences in how major powers view space security and the potential for escalating competition beyond traditional geographic boundaries. As space becomes more economically and strategically significant, the debate over militarisation is likely to remain a focal point in international relations among competing superpowers.