Beijing warns of a "space arms race" after Washington confirms deployment of weapons in orbit for the first time

China urged the United States on Tuesday to “stop preparing for war” in space, warning of an “arms race” in the domain, after the U.S. Space Force confirmed it had deployed weapons in orbit for the first time.

Spokesman Gao Qiang of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said at a press conference, “We urge the U.S. side to stop expanding its military capabilities and preparing for war in outer space.”

A spokesperson for the U.S. Space Force had previously stated in a press release that “the United States has deployed in orbit weapons dedicated to space control, capable of protecting joint U.S. forces from hostile threats,” without disclosing details about their nature or specifications.