"Hyping the so-called Chinese space debris threat distorts China's normal outer space activities and attempts to divert international attention, purely aiming to shift blame to others and distort concepts," Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday.
Zhao made the remarks at a regular press briefing in response to news that Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX of the US had two close encounters with the China Space Station which may prompt the international community to upgrade the Outer Space Treaty, and some said China's space debris may pose risks.
"According to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, States Parties to the Treaty shall bear international responsibility for national activities in outer space conducted by their private companies," said Zhao. "Such claims have actually downplayed the fact that the safety of China's space station and astronauts is under threat."
"China has always explored outer space peacefully in the spirit of working for the benefit of mankind," Zhao said.
All countries should respect and safeguard the international order in exploring outer space based on international law, and adopt a responsible attitude to ensure the safety of astronauts in orbit and the safe operation of space facilities, Zhao added.
(Cover photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
