Huang Huikang, head of the Chinese delegation to the 44th Session of the U.N. Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space, Wednesday called for an early conclusion of an international agreement on the prevention of an arms race and the weaponization of outer space.
In his general statement, Huang said, "Weaponization of outer space runs counter to the very purposes of peaceful use of outer space and it will give rise to severe consequences. The introduction of weapons and weapon systems into outer space will not only jeopardize the peaceful uses and development of outer space by all countries, and the security of their space assets, but also trigger off an arms race in outer space, breaking global strategic balance and stability, intensifying arms races on the ground, in the sea and in the atmosphere.
"Such a move thus will create obstacles for international arms control and the disarmament process and undermine mutual trust among countries, thus bringing long-term and in-depth negative consequences on the regional and international security environment."
He said that while some progress has been made in the non- militarization of outer space, an international legal regime that can prevent the militarization of outer space in a comprehensive and effective manner is yet to be accomplished.
The utilization of outer space for military purposes is also alarmingly on the rise, and the trend for the weaponization of outer space is increasing, he said.
In view of this, the committee should make greater efforts to prevent an arms race and the weaponization of outer space in the current stage, and it is necessary to negotiate the conclusion of an international agreement on the prevention of an arms race and the weaponization of outer space at an early date, he said.
Huang said that over the past 40 years, mankind has achieved numerous achievements in the exploration and uses of outer space. "We are convinced that in the new century, the development of space technology and its application will have a greater prospect. "
He said the Chinese government holds all along that the ultimate purpose of the exploration and uses of outer space lies in creating a better living and development space for mankind. The activities in outer space by various countries should help to promote the friendly cooperation among the people of all countries and social progress, and to maintain international peace and security.
China always supports all efforts for the peaceful uses of outer space and is opposed to arms race in outer space, said the Chinese official. "We maintain that international cooperation in outer space should be increased and strengthened on the basis of peaceful uses, equality, mutual benefits, experience exchange and mutual development of various countries."
He urged countries with the greatest space technologies to undertake the special responsibility in the prevention of weaponization and an arms race in outer space.
"As mankind has entered the 21st century, the committee should work together and make greater efforts to promote the peaceful uses of outer space, devoting the precious resources in outer space entirely to the peace and development of mankind," he said in conclusion.
(People's Daily 06/07/2001)
