New York, 15 October 2007

1. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the Outer Space Treaty. Over half a century, the exploration and utilization of outer space by mankind have made great advancement. People’s lives have never been in such a close connection with outer space as it is today. Nevertheless, if advanced technology is used to acquire unilateral military superiority or to engage in warfare, it would severely endanger the peace and security of outer space, and threat the well-being of entire mankind. Nowadays, the danger of weaponization of outer space and subsequent arms race therein are the most serious challenges to outer space security.

2. Over years, the international community attaches great importance to preventing weaponization of and arms race in outer space, and has made many valuable efforts.

-- From 1985 to 1994, the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva (CD) has, for ten consecutive years, established ad hoc committees on outer space issue. This year, with the joint efforts of six presidents of the CD, the discussion on outer space issue has achieved significant progress.

-- For many years and by an overwhelming majority, the United Nations General Assembly has adopted resolutions on Prevention of An Arms Race in Outer Space, which reaffirms the importance and urgency of preventing an arms race in outer space, and reiterates the Conference on Disarmament, as the sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, has the primary role in the negotiation of a multilateral agreement or agreements on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects.

-- Governments, civil societies and academic institutes of many countries hold seminars on outer space issue, to collectively explore the approaches to maintain outer space security. In this regard, same countries and academic institutes also actively promote the transparency and confidence-building measures such as the conclusion of code of conduct in outer space.

We appreciate the efforts made by all parties, and hope more countries could join this process.

3. To conclude a new international legal instrument to cover the flaws in related existing legal instrument is the only effective way to meet the challenges in outer space.

Transparency and confidence-building measures is conducive to reduce the potential misunderstanding and tensions might be occurred in outer space activities, and enhance mutual trust among related countries. But, it can neither fundamentally solve the practical issues of outer space security, nor replace an international legal instrument in preventing weaponization of and arms race in outer space.

To negotiate and conclude a legal instrument on outer space is the fundamental way to achieve the goal of preventing weaponization of and arms race in outer space shared by the international community. In 2002, China, together with Russia and some other countries, submitted 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", which has received positive responses and supports from many countries. Recently, China and Russia informally distributed to some member states of the Conference on Disarmament the draft Treaty to this very effect and many countries have responded positively to the draft. China believes that this draft will receive broader support in CD.

4. The peace and security in outer space matters vitally the economic growth, social developments and the well-being of various countries. It is the common obligation of the international community to prevent weaponization of and arms race in outer space, and ensure we can benefit from the outer space forever. Along with all other countries, China will continue to make unremitting efforts to safeguard outer space security.