The Chinese government urges the US not to deploy a missile interceptor system in outer space, warning that it could trigger an arms race and undermine global security.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Wednesday told the 65-nation Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that space should be reserved for peaceful purposes.

"Outer space is now facing the looming danger of weaponization," he said, adding, "Credible and effective multilateral measures must be taken to forestall the weaponization and arms race in outer space."

The developments come as US President Barack Obama has been reviewing a planned missile defense shield designed by his predecessor, George W. Bush.

Senior Chinese and Russian officials have been vocal advocates of a global treaty against space-based weapons. The Obama administration, however, has so far refused to back down.

Differences have emerged between China and Western countries in recent months over a range of issues including space and cyber security.

JR/MMN