The United States and Japan have jointly sponsored a U.N. Security Council resolution urging all nations to refrain from deploying or developing nuclear weapons in space. The U.S. ambassador emphasized the unprecedented danger and unacceptability of placing nuclear weapons in Earth's orbit.
The resolution comes in response to concerns over Russia's reported acquisition of anti-satellite weapon capabilities. Despite assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow has no plans to deploy nuclear weapons in space, the U.S. and Japan are pushing for a global commitment to uphold the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit.
During a Security Council meeting chaired by Japan's Foreign Minister, the importance of maintaining peace in outer space was underscored, especially in today's geopolitical landscape. The U.S. ambassador called on all treaty parties to adhere to the ban on space-based nuclear weapons and encouraged non-member states to join the treaty without delay.
While the U.S. expressed readiness to engage with other countries to enhance compliance with the treaty, Russia criticized the proposed resolution as a political maneuver divorced from reality. The U.N. Secretary-General highlighted the escalating risk of nuclear warfare due to geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the urgent need for global cooperation to prevent a catastrophic scenario akin to a nuclear doomsday.
In light of these developments, efforts to promote arms control and strategic stability, including dialogue between major powers, are crucial to averting a potential nuclear crisis in the future.
