President Donald Trump's administration has announced an ambitious plan to usher in a new "Space Force" as the sixth branch of the military by 2020. The plans come 35 years after Ronald Reagan's famous Star Wars speech. It follows American intelligence agencies warning that China and Russia are developing space weapons. CGTN's Joshua Cartwright has more details.

In 1983, U.S. President Ronald Reagan proposed an ambitious strategic defense initiative in space - which became known as "Star Wars".

"I know this is a formidable technical task, one that may not be accomplished before the end of this century."

The deadline came and went - and the plan was never fully realized. On Thursday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence made an announcement for a renewal of sorts to meet what he said emerging threats on a new battlefield.

MIKE PENCE US VICE PRESIDENT "The time has come to establish the United States Space Force."

It would be the country's sixth military branch. Pence said the goal is to have the U.S. Space Force up-and-running by 20-20. He cited increased space activity by rival countries as key to the decision - pointing the finger at two nations in particular.

MIKE PENCE US VICE PRESIDENT "Both China and Russia have been conducting highly sophisticated on-orbit activities that could enable them to maneuver their satellites into close proximity of ours, posing unprecedented new dangers to our space systems."

President Trump followed up Pence's announcement with a tweet, writing "Space Force All the Way!"

Trump floated the idea of a Space Force in March. But it's been met with resistance by some in the Pentagon - including Trump's own defense secretary, who said it would result in unwanted costs. There's also been outside criticism. In June, Russia warned of a "tough response," saying that, if implemented, the Space Force would spark an arms race. But, in the end, it may be the U.S. government that quashes the idea, as it requires congressional approval. Joshua Cartwright, CGTN, Washington.