Beijing: China has urged the United States to halt the expansion of its military capabilities in outer space, warning that deploying weapons in orbit could increase tensions and encourage other countries to develop competing systems.

The warning came after the United States publicly acknowledged that it has space-control weapons deployed in orbit. American officials have described the systems as capabilities intended to protect military forces and space-based assets from hostile actions.

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that outer space should remain dedicated to peaceful activities and international cooperation. Beijing argued that turning space into another area of military confrontation could create new security risks for countries around the world.

Chinese officials also warned that the development of orbital weapons could encourage other governments to strengthen their own counter-space capabilities. Such a cycle, they said, could contribute to a broader military competition beyond Earth.

The issue has gained greater attention as modern militaries increasingly depend on satellites for communications, navigation, intelligence gathering and other operations. Damage or disruption to these systems could therefore have consequences extending beyond traditional military operations.

China’s position comes as major powers continue developing advanced space technologies. Governments are investing in satellites, space-based surveillance, communications systems and technologies designed to protect or interfere with orbital assets.

The United States has said its newly acknowledged capabilities are intended to provide protection against potential attacks and hostile actions. Details about the specific systems, including their number and technical characteristics, have not been publicly disclosed.

The disagreement highlights the growing importance of establishing rules for military activities in space. Existing international agreements provide a framework for peaceful exploration and prohibit certain categories of weapons, but governments continue to debate how new military technologies should be regulated.

China has called for greater international cooperation and measures aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space. The United States and other major space powers are meanwhile continuing to strengthen their ability to operate and defend assets in orbit.

As space becomes increasingly important to national security and civilian infrastructure, the latest exchange between Washington and Beijing has placed renewed attention on the question of how military competition can be managed without destabilizing the wider space environment.