US spacecraft sparks arms race concerns

Space plane can 'help launch space weapons, be used for anti-satellite purposes'

BEIJING - The latest spacecraft launched by the United States has triggered concerns over a new arms race in space that could jeopardize world peace, Chinese military researchers said on Friday.

The US Air Force launched unmanned spacecraft X-37B with a rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Thursday evening local time, media reported. The spacecraft is designed to fly in low orbit for as long as nine months.