China Urges US to Halt Military Buildup in Space After Acknowledgment of Orbital Weapons

China has called on the United States to halt what it described as a military buildup in outer space, following an acknowledgment by a senior US Air Force official that the Space Force possesses operational weapons in orbit, according to Anadolu Agency.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Beijing opposes attempts to "weaponize" outer space, according to the report, and urged Washington to stop what it characterized as efforts to expand military capabilities beyond Earth's atmosphere.

The comments came after the US Air Force chief reportedly confirmed that the Space Force, the newest branch of the US armed forces, has weapons in orbit that are operational, according to Anadolu Agency.

China's statement did not provide further details on the specific capabilities referenced by the US official or outline what measures Beijing is seeking from Washington beyond a general call to cease the buildup, according to the report.

The exchange reflects longstanding tensions between the two countries over the militarization of space, an issue that has drawn increasing international attention as both nations and others expand their space-related defense programs.

Anadolu Agency did not report any immediate response from US officials to China's latest statement.