Addressing the general debate of the United Nations Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) on international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space, Chinese delegate Guan Jian said the development and testing of weapons systems in outer space and any other military use of outer space violated thefundamental principles of the peaceful use of outer space.

The ultimate purpose of the exploration and utilization of outer space should be to create a better environment for the survival and development of humanity, Guan said.

In order to build a more sound legal framework for peaceful use of outer space by mankind in the new century, the conclusion of a comprehensive convention on space law undoubtedly merited the full attention of the committee and the Chinese delegation stands ready to work on such a convention, the delegate said.

The Chinese space industry has made numerous advances in the past year and China will work harder and contribute more to the great cause of exploring and using outer space for peaceful purpose, the delegate added.

(Xinhua 10/17/2000)