China urged the U.S. to stop fabricating the so-called China threat in outer space, sticking to the Cold War mentality, and shifting its responsibilities. 

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian made the remarks in response to the National Intelligence Council (NIC), a U.S. intra-governmental think tank, who said China would be "the most significant rival" in space by 2040.

Zhao said the biggest threat to outer space's current security is the U.S., which defines outer space as a new combat domain and incites an arms race in outer space.

China's rational and steady exploration of space is to meet the needs of national scientific and technological development, Zhao said, noting that China does not pose a threat to any country and does not violate existing international obligations.