China’s Statement at the Conference on Disarmament

August 12, 2009 at 9:40 am | Posted in Space Law | Leave a comment

by P.J. Blount with the blog faculty

Chinese Foreign minister H.E. Mr. Yang Jiechi made a statement at the Conference on Disarmament earlier today, August 12, 2009. This included comments on PAROS:

Outer space is the common asset of the entire mankind and to maintain security in outer space and ensure its peaceful use serves the common interests of all countries. Outer space is now facing the looming danger of weaponization. Credible and effective multilateral measures must be taken to forestall the weaponization and arms race in outer space. This is of high strategic significance and is also the common mission and responsibility of the international community. The Conference should play a key role in this regard.

In February last year” China and Russia jointly presented to the Conference the draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space, the Threat or Use of Force Against Outer Space Objects. We hope that the Conference on Disarmament will soon start substantive discussions on the draft so as to contribute to improving the legal system concerning outer space and maintaining its security.