By Gabriel Ameh
China has called for stronger international rules and cooperation to safeguard peace and security in outer space, warning against an arms race and urging countries to work towards a more inclusive global governance framework.
The country outlined its position on strengthening outer space governance, emphasising the need for international dialogue, responsible commercial activities, transparency and the peaceful use of space.
China said countries should recognise that their security interests in outer space are interconnected and consider the legitimate security concerns of other nations when pursuing their own interests.
It stressed that maintaining peace and stability requires countries to exercise restraint, respect international rules and build consensus through dialogue and cooperation.
PREVENTING AN ARMS RACE IN SPACE
China urged nations to oppose offensive military policies in outer space and take all possible measures to prevent an arms race beyond Earth.
It also called for reaffirming the international principle against the threat or use of force, including actions directed at space objects, to reduce the risk of armed conflict.
The country expressed support for concluding an international legal instrument on arms control in outer space.
According to China’s position, stronger international rules would help prevent military escalation and protect the long-term security and stability of space activities.
IMPROVING TRANSPARENCY AND TRUST
China also called for practical measures to reduce misunderstandings and mistrust among countries operating in outer space.
It encouraged nations to exchange information about their space policies and activities, provide advance notifications of launches where appropriate, issue collision warnings and communicate information about the re-entry of space objects and space debris.
The country further emphasised the importance of fulfilling international obligations concerning the registration of space objects.
It said countries should strengthen crisis prevention and management mechanisms to minimise risks arising from miscalculations or a lack of communication.
REGULATING COMMERCIAL SPACE ACTIVITIES
On commercial space development, China called on governments to establish and improve national regulatory systems to ensure that private and commercial activities comply with relevant domestic and international laws.
It said the growing space economy should not undermine the legitimate rights and interests of other countries.
China also stressed that commercial space activities should not be unlawfully used to interfere in the armed conflicts or internal affairs of other nations.
The position reflects the need to balance the expansion of commercial space activities with international obligations and responsible conduct.
PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
China called for stronger international cooperation in space science, technology and applications, urging countries to turn agreements and shared commitments into practical action.
It opposed discriminatory policies and barriers that could restrict cooperation, while supporting bilateral, regional and multilateral partnerships.
The country also highlighted the need for greater coordination in managing space traffic and reducing space debris, which pose challenges to the safe and sustainable use of Earth’s orbital environment.
In addition, China encouraged cooperation in research, innovation, talent development and infrastructure, while supporting participation by research institutes, universities, businesses and social organisations under appropriate national laws and regulations.
UNITED NATIONS AT THE CENTRE OF GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
China maintained that the United Nations should remain the main channel for global governance in outer space, while other multilateral platforms and specialised organisations should contribute within their respective mandates.
It called for avoiding exclusive arrangements and increasing the representation and influence of developing countries in international space governance.
The country said a more open, equitable and effective framework should be built through broad participation and shared contributions.
China’s position places emphasis on international dialogue, arms control, transparency, commercial regulation and wider participation as countries seek to manage the growing strategic and economic importance of outer space.
Source: Xinhua News Agency.
