(10 June 2026)
Mr. Chairman,
The Chinese delegation congratulates you on your election as Chair the 69th session of the COPUOS. We assure you of our full support to your work. We also appreciate the effective work of your predecessor, the Chair from Morocco, over the past year and thank the Director of UNOOSA, Ms. Aarti Holla-Maini, and the secretariat for the preparatory work done for this session. China aligns itself with the statement made by India on behalf of the G77 and China.
At present, global governance of outer space stands at a critical crossroads. While the ongoing revolution in space science and technology and the transformation of the space industry are empowering space exploration, they have also given rise to numerous governance challenges: new types of outer space activities continue to emerge, the development and utilization of space resources are accelerating. At the same time, technological divides constrain equitable participation, and the calls from developing countries for participation have become increasingly urgent.
China stands ready to continue making greater contributions to improving global governance in the outer space, so that the benefits of the peaceful use of outer space may better serve the well-being of all mankind. In this regard, China wishes to share the following views.
First, remain committed to the original aspiration of peaceful use. The exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes constitutes one of the most fundamental principles that all States should uphold. In the face of the growing prevalence of power politics, it is all the more essential that we firmly adhere to the peaceful use of outer space and resolutely oppose the weaponization and turning of outer space into a battlefield.
Second, uphold multilateralism. We must firmly oppose unilateralism and exclusive “small circles”, and safeguard the central role of COPUOS. Any reform of COPUOS should contribute to inclusive development. China supports the holding of UNISPACE IV in 2027 and stands ready to play a positive role for it along with all parties.
Third, uphold win-win cooperation. Promoting international cooperation is an important purpose of the UN Charter and the only viable pathway toward improving outer space governance. Whether in addressing challenges such as the rapid increase of space debris and the growing congestion of orbital resources, or in coordinating governance on issues such as resource utilization and lunar exploration, the interests of all States are closely intertwined and require collaborative solutions.
Fourth, strengthen the foundation of the rule of law. We must consistently uphold international space law, with the Outer Space Treaty as its cornerstone, and advance good governance through sound law. The governance challenges brought about by new technologies first raise questions regarding the interpretation and application of existing rules in emerging domains. At the same time, to effectively address new issues and challenges, the development of new rules may be explored. However, any rule-making process must adhere to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.
Mr. Chairman,
The high-quality development of China’s space programme not only serves the country’s modernization and the needs of its people for a better life, but also contributes to the sustainable development of the global space industry. It supports the implementation of the “Space 2030 Agenda” and offers Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the peaceful uses of outer space for the benefit of all humankind.
China is actively advancing international cooperation. In April this year, China agreed to lend lunar samples from the Chang’e-5 mission to three research institutions in France, the United Kingdom and Türkiye; A Pakistani astronaut will soon travel to the China Space Station; The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) cooperation framework has received strong support, with 17 countries and international organizations and more than 50 international research institutions joining the initiative. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System continues to operate in a stable and reliable manner, with further enhanced service performance, providing global users with all-weather, all-time, high-precision positioning, navigation and timing services. China welcomes interested States, international organizations and partners to participate in the above-mentioned cooperation projects.
China is also actively promoting the development of its commercial space sector. The first launch site operated by a commercial entity — No. 1 launch pad of the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site — has entered into operation. As of May this year, the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site has carried out 15 launch missions, all of which were successful. The growth of China’s commercial space industry will provide the world with accessible, available and affordable public space services.
During this session of the Committee, China will host an exhibition at the VIC to mark the 70th anniversary of China’s space programme. We warmly welcome all delegates to visit the exhibition, to look back together on China’s seven-decade journey of exploring the outer space.
Mr. Chairman,
Outer space is the common province of all mankind, and space exploration is a shared endeavour of all nations. China stands ready to work with all parties to deepen international cooperation, enhance the effectiveness of our collective actions, and advance the well-being of humanity.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.