The Pentagon’s top officials in the United States have stated that the U.S. military must be prepared to fight in the global competitive environment that extends from the depths of the sea to the near-lunar space (the area between Earth and the Moon); U.S. Space Force officials also pointed out that potential adversaries, including the CCP, are actively engaging in activities in near-lunar space.
US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine stated during an Aerospace, Space, and Cyber Conference on Wednesday, September 16 that joint forces must be prepared to fight, sustain operations, and achieve victory in the global competitive environment spanning “from the depths of the sea to near-lunar space.”
On the same day, U.S. Space Force Vice Admiral and Commander of Space Operations Gregory Gagnon told reporters, “Humanity is moving towards deep space, and the Space Force’s duty is to be prepared to defend America’s interests.”
Gagnon emphasized that “intelligence has clearly indicated that America’s potential adversaries have been seeking to expand conflicts into space.” He specifically mentioned that the CCP is actively engaging in activities in near-lunar space.
Prior to these statements, on September 14, U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink publicly announced that the U.S. had deployed “space control weapons capable of operating in orbit, intended to protect joint forces from hostile actions by adversaries.” Meink did not specify the specific types of weapons.
According to Reuters, this is the clearest acknowledgement to date by Pentagon officials that the U.S. has deployed weapons in orbit. The U.S. Space Force stated that the capabilities can be used to counter adversary hostile actions, but further details were not disclosed.
On Tuesday, September 15, CCP Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun claimed in a routine press conference that China consistently “advocates the peaceful use of outer space,” opposes a space arms race, and demanded that the U.S. “stop expanding military competition in space.”
In fact, in recent years, both China and Russia have been continuously developing space weapons. China officially established its military space force in 2024, responsible for handling space-related military tasks, while actively developing space weapons.
Both the U.S. and China are parties to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. The treaty prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction or nuclear weapons in Earth’s orbit and designates the Moon and other celestial bodies for peaceful purposes only.
The treaty also prohibits establishing military bases, facilities, or defense installations on the Moon and other celestial bodies, testing any type of weapons, or conducting military exercises. However, military personnel can engage in scientific research or other peaceful activities on celestial bodies.
Regarding the deployment of conventional weapons in Earth’s orbit, there are differing interpretations within the legal community as to whether the treaty constitutes a comprehensive ban; however, the treaty already imposes more specific restrictions on military activities on the Moon and other celestial bodies.
When asked about the treaty and other related obligations, Gagnon stated that the U.S. Space Force will continue to conduct safe, responsible space actions in various space areas and orbits. He also mentioned that the U.S. military possesses relevant capabilities to defend the country and enhance deterrence.
He further revealed that the U.S. plans to double the size of the Space Force in the next five years, reaching approximately 25,000 personnel, with about two-thirds of the growth focused on the Space Operations Command.
However, he refused to disclose the types, quantities, and deployment locations of the space control weapons already deployed by the U.S. military. The Pentagon has not yet responded to media requests for comments.