Mr. Chairman,
On October 15 and
16, China successfully conducted its first manned-spacecraft
flight. We will consistently strive for promoting lofty
cause of the mankind to make the peaceful use of outer space
while continuing to work with all other countries all over
the world for preventing weaponization of and an arms race
in outer space.
Mr. Chairman,
Over
the past 50 years or so, as space technology advances,
tremendous progress has been registered in the economic,
scientific, technological and social fields worldwide. Our
daily lives, commercial activities and scientific research
have been increasingly related to outer space. As such,
outer space has become part and parcel of the modern
civilization of humankind.
However,
the development of space technology has also brought about
the research and development of space weapons and
application of military technology. Relevant theory and
policy associated with outer space warfare such as
control and occupation of outer space have come
to the fore. The research and development of space weapon
systems are being putting into practice. The risk of the
weaponizztion of outer space is mounting. In the meantime,
the existing international legal instruments are not
sufficient for curbing effectively the weaponization of and
an arms race in outer space.
Outer space is the
common heritage of mankind. To ensure the peaceful use of
outer space and prevent the weaponization of and an arms
race in outer space are in the common interest and also the
common responsibility of all countries. The history and
experience of disarmament and arms control demonstrate that
to prevent the weaponization of and an arms race in outer
space, we must not remain idle until outer space weapons
have been putting in place and causing damages. It would be
too late if one country leads in ushering weapons into outer
space, with others states following suit and the prospect of
space weapon proliferation looming large.
Therefore, the key is to take preventive measures.
Otherwise, the right of using outer space for peaceful
purposes and the security of outer space assets will be put
in jeopardy. To conclude an international legal agreement to
prevent the deployment of weapons in outer space without
further delay stands out as the best way.
Based
on these principled positions, China offered its
propositions and suggestions on PAROS in the form of CD
documents in 1985, 2000 and 2001 respectively. Building upon
that, in 2002, China and the Russian Federation, together
with the delegations of Viet Nam, Indonesia, Belarus,
Zimbabwe and the Syrian Arab Republic, jointly submitted to
the CD a working paper entitled Possible Elements For
a Future International Legal Agreement on the Prevention of
the Deployment of Weapons in Outer Space, the Threat or Use
of Force against Outer Space objects.
On
September 25 this year, the Russian Federation announced its
obligation not to be the first to deploy offensive strike
weapons in outer space, stood for developing a comprehensive
agreement on this issue and invited all countries possessing
space potential to join its initiative. This is a very
positive step forward, moving to a direction in line with
Chinas proposals.
In the same spirit, on
August 7 this year, China expressed its willingness to join
consensus on the initiative of Five Ambassadors with regard
to the program of work of the CD. We hope that other parties
would live up to the expectations of the international
community and respond positively so as to help reach an
agreement on a comprehensive and balanced work program at
the CD, with a view to conducting substantive work on all
important issues, including the prevention of an arms race
in outer space, towards negotiating relevant international
legal instruments.
Mr.
Chairman,
The First Committee of UNGA reflects
the wishes of all countries and peoples with regard to
disarmament and international security. Over the years, the
General Assembly has adopted many resolutions on outer
space, which illustrate the willingness of the overwhelming
majority of countries and peoples to ensure the peaceful use
of outer space and the prevention of an arms race in outer
space. This year, China will once again co-sponsor the PAROS
draft resolution. In order that the future generations could
embrace a peaceful and tranquil sky, we stand ready to work
with the international community to continue to attach great
importance to the issue of outer space and push forward
concrete measures aimed at the complete prohibition of outer
space weapons.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
