Outer space must not become a new battlefield: FM spokesperson

China hopes the international community, especially relevant major powers, will adopt a cautious and responsible attitude to prevent outer space from becoming a new battlefield, and make joint efforts to maintain its lasting peace and tranquility, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang speaks at a regular press briefing, Dec. 18, 2019. [Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China]

The United States Senate Tuesday approved the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which grants the establishment of Space Force, a new U.S. military branch that will be housed in the Department of the Air Force and led by the chief of space operations.

Geng Shuang said this move further indicates the increasing risks of the tendency to weaponize outer space and make it a battlefield, and China is deeply concerned.

Noting that outer space is the commonwealth of all mankind, Geng said it is the common interest and responsibility of every nation to ensure the peaceful use of outer space, and prevent its weaponization.

He added that the current situation has shown increasing necessities to establish a legal framework related to outer space arms control, which can only be achieved through negotiation.