Mr. Chair,

The Chinese delegation welcomes this Working Group’s consensus on organizational matters. We stand ready to engage in full discussions with all parties on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects, with a view to building consensus step by step and laying a solid foundation for realizing PAROS and safeguarding peaceful, secure, and sustainable outer space.

The current security situation in outer space is growing increasingly grave. Some countries have explicitly defined outer space as a "war-fighting domain", pursuing a strategy of dominance in outer space and continuously advancing development of space forces. Some have even threatened to deploy weapons in outer space. The prospect of an arms race or even conflict in outer space is no longer merely a theoretical risk, but a real and imminent danger. The future of outer space, whether it remains calm waters or descends into turbulent waves, depends on how the international community, particularly the majority of its members, perceive and address such destructive conducts.

China opposes any action that exacerbates the risk of weaponization of outer space and turning it into battlefield. We advocate for the international community to jointly uphold the international order based on the Outer Space Treaty and other international legal instruments, working toward a shared future for humanity in outer space. We believe that establishing a legally-binding instrument to prevent the placement of weapons in outer space and prohibit the use or threat of force against space objects, is both the fundamental path and a practical approach to averting a space crisis.

Mr. Chair,

To facilitate the Working Group’s deliberations, China wishes to propose the following:

First, maintain focus on the prevention of an arms race in outer space. The Working Group should strictly adhere to its mandate under UNGA Decision 79/512, keeping the prevention of an arms race and armed conflict in outer space as its sole objective. Discussions should avoid the inclusion of topics related to the peaceful uses of outer space, which risks derailing deliberations. Likewise, the objective of "preventing armed conflict" must not be misinterpreted as "formulating rules for armed conflict."

Second, prioritize substantive elements of a legally-binding instrument. The UN Charter and the Outer Space Treaty form the bedrock of the international space legal regime and serve as the primary basis for advancing space security governance. The Working Group should fill gaps in existing law by developing new norms and elaborating their interpretations, ensuring all discussions align with current international law.

Third, adopt a holistic approach, which focuses on a core legally-binding instrument supplemented by other measures. Based on the consensus report adopted by 2024 GGE on PAROS and the key agenda items agreed during the Working Group’s first session, the focus should be on possible elements of a legally-binding instrument aimed at the prevention an arms race in outer space. This should be considered in light of recent emerging challenges, including issues such as the prevention of the placement of weapons in outer space, while also considering the potential non-legally binding measures.    

Thank you, Mr. Chair.