Envoy: China opposes weaponization of outer space

China's ambassador to the United Nations has urged continuing efforts to prevent outer space weaponization, starting of prompt negotiations for a binding arms control treaty and ensuring space remains peaceful for all member states and humanity.

"Outer space is not the private property of a few countries, but the common asset of all humankind," Fu Cong said on Wednesday. "It is not an arena for countries to fight each other, but a new frontier for mutually beneficial cooperation."

The remarks came after the Security Council rejected a draft resolution introduced by the United States and Japan that calls for active contributions to the "objective of the peaceful use of outer space and of the prevention of an arms race in outer space".