Beijing:The Chinese military has issued a warning that space will become a "new arena for rivalry" following the United States' recent admission of deploying operational weapons in Earth's orbit.

According to Anadolu Agency, China's Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin expressed concerns over the US's actions, stating that the militarization of outer space could lead to an intensified arms race. Jiang remarked that this development would transform space into a battleground among major powers and potentially harm humanity's shared environment.

Jiang's comments were in response to US Air Force Secretary Troy Meink's statement earlier this month acknowledging that the US Space Force has orbital weapons capable of countering threats from adversaries. This statement was reported by Beijing-based daily Global Times.

Jiang emphasized China's stance on the peaceful use of outer space, highlighting the country's commitment to space security and the promotion of a community with a shared future for humanity in space.