Beijing: U.S. should stop weaponizing space, work with China, Russia

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The United States should stop weaponizing outer space if it truly holds concerns about space safety, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said Wednesday at a regular press conference in response to U.S. defense secretary's remarks made earlier Tuesday.

U.S. Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said Tuesday that the U.S. needs to develop its space force in order to prevent Chinese, Russian military dominance in outer space. He appealed to build the U.S. Space Force and planned to deploy an anti-satellite missile system in outer space.

Lu reiterated China's opposition to weaponizing outer space. Outer space belongs to all mankind, said Lu, adding that it is the shared responsibility of the international community to uphold space security.

According to Lu, China and Russia have pushed for a jointly drafted treaty on the prevention of space arms race for a long time, but their attempt was thwarted by the United States.

The U.S has defined outer space as a new battlefield, said Lu, warning that the move is turning international concerns into reality and may possibly trigger a new round of arms races.

If the U.S. truly cares about the security of outer space, it should work with China and Russia and actively participate in the arms control process of outer space instead of doing the opposite, Lu added.

China's position on outer space safety remains unchanged. It made similar comments after India shot down a low-orbiting satellite in a missile test in March, becoming the fourth country after the U.S., Russia and China to have the anti-satellite capability.

(Cover: A view of the Earth from a high definition camera outside the International Space Station, September 12, 2018. /VCG Photo)