BEIJING, May 27 -- China constantly opposes the weaponization of outer space and the arms race in outer space, stated Senior Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference in Beijing on May 27.
The US media reported that the Chief of Space Operations for the US Space Force recently remarked that China and Russia have developed weapons that could either disrupt or destroy the US satellites and China’s outer space capacity has posed a pacing threat to the United States.
In response, Tan said that such remarks are neither justified nor convincing. He pinpointed that their real objective is to create "imaginary enemies" and then pretend to be a "victim" so that they can cook up a pretext for expansion of space armaments and seeking absolute superiority.
Tan stated clearly that it is the United States that defines outer space as a "war fighting domain", establishes an independent space force and conducts frequent outer space combat exercises. The weaponization and militarization of outer space has become an imminent threat to the international community, for which the US should be blamed.
Tan also said that for many years, China, Russia and many other countries have devoted themselves to making the international legal instruments that prevent the arms race in outer space, thus ensuring that the outer space can become a new domain for promoting the common welfare of mankind instead of a new battlefield full of competition and confrontation.
China hopes the US can take the responsibility of a major country and take concrete actions to maintain lasting peace and stability in outer space, stressed Tan.