China urges U.S. to ‘stop preparing for war in outer space’
China has formally requested that the United States cease military preparations in space following the U.S. Space Force's confirmation of deploying on-orbit defensive weapons. The move underscores escalating geopolitical tensions and the potential for a space-based arms race.
Why it matters
The militarization of space poses significant risks to global satellite infrastructure and international security treaties.
China urged the United States on Tuesday (September 15, 2026) to "stop preparing for war" in space, after the U.S. Space Force confirmed it had deployed weapons into orbit for the first time.
Beijing and Washington are key geopolitical rivals and have long sought to expand their interests — and strategic footprints — in space.
The U.S. Space Force said on Monday (September 14) that it had deployed "on-orbit space control weapons capable of defending... against hostile adversary action", without providing specifics.
China's Foreign Ministry opposed the move, warning against the "weaponisation of outer space, turning it into a battlefield, as well as an arms race there".
"We urge the U.S. side to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space," ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a news briefing.
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