Russia and China react to US space weapon announcement

US Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced that the US has deployed a space weapon in orbit. Meink did not share details regarding the nature of the weapon, when it was deployed, how it could be used, or its technical capacity.

Meink argued that this capability is necessary to protect US forces against "hostile actions." According to the BBC, Meink also stated that some unnamed rivals are attempting to neutralize US sensing and command-and-control systems.

The statement came at a time when Washington's plans to increase its military capabilities in space are being debated. US military officials had previously alleged that Russia and China were developing methods to attack or disable US satellites in a potential conflict.

REACTION FROM BEIJING AND MOSCOW

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the peaceful use of space in a statement to AFP. Guo said, "China has long been committed to the peaceful use of space and ensuring space security... We urge the US to stop extending its military capabilities into space and preparing for a war in space."

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also criticized Washington. Stating that armed conflicts in space could have "catastrophic" consequences for humanity, Zakharova said, "Concrete steps must be taken urgently to prevent an arms race in space."

The Donald Trump administration views space-based capabilities as one of the critical components of the "Golden Dome" defense system, which aims to protect the US against missiles and other airborne threats. In this context, space-based defense options, including interceptor missiles, are being kept on the agenda.

The use of space for military purposes has long been at the center of international security debates. A 1967 international treaty prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit; however, competition between major powers continues regarding military activities outside the scope of the treaty.

The US Space Force was established in 2019 to protect US assets in space. With a decree signed in 2025, it was stated that the institution's mission definition was no longer limited to defense and had been expanded to include offensive capacity.

The US argues that Russia and China view space as a strategic front in future conflicts. Moscow and Beijing, meanwhile, warn that Washington's steps could accelerate an arms race in space.

News Source: 12punto