China opposes arms race in space in official document on space governance and security

Amid fears that conflicts on Earth could extend into space, China has opposed an arms race in outer space. China's foreign ministry on Friday (October 23) released a document setting out its official position on space governance and security.

The document strongly opposes the militarisation of space, the use of weapons on satellites and the creation of war-like conditions in space. China says space should be used only for peaceful research, scientific progress and the development of all countries. The document has gained significance given the growing rivalry among the world's major powers.

According to China, an arms race in space is one of the biggest challenges to global security. Different countries are developing satellite surveillance systems, missile defence systems and military space technology.

If the deployment of weapons in space increases, tensions between countries could sharpen. If satellites are attacked, not just military communication but also communications, weather forecasting, navigation and financial transactions could be affected. China has therefore said it is essential to maintain peace and security in space.

In its position, China has also indirectly criticised the growing US military activity in space. China alleges that the United States views space as a potential battlefield. It says that the US capability for military control in space and its new missile defence plans could upset the world's strategic balance.

China has also appealed to the United States at the United Nations to halt military expansion in space. However, differences remain between the US position and China's allegations.

China has raised questions not only about state military arrangements but also about the role of private space companies. It has said commercial satellite services and space technology should not be used to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries or to aid ongoing wars.

The document calls for proper rules and controls on commercial space activities. China has also appealed for international talks to be taken forward on the agreement, proposed earlier by China and Russia, to ban the first deployment of weapons in space.

China has meanwhile backed the use of space research and technology for economic development, but has said clearly that they should not be used for war. With rivalry for dominance in space growing among major powers such as the US, China and Russia, attention is on what international impact this stand will have.