The Delegation of China recently submitted a document to the Working Group on Legal Aspects of Space Resource Activities, a subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. In this submission, China outlined its perspective on the scope and legal framework for space resource activities, as well as elements for developing initial recommended principles.
Regarding the scope of space resources, China believes the Working Group should focus on physical resources such as water-ice in lunar regolith and lunar rocks, while acknowledging that non-physical resources like solar energy, radio frequencies, and orbits can be considered space resources under other frameworks. China shared its plans for upcoming lunar missions, including the Chang’e-6 probe in 2024 to collect lunar regolith samples, the Chang’e-7 probe in 2026 to detect lunar resources at the Moon’s South Pole, and the Chang’e-8 probe in 2028 for experimental verification of lunar resource utilization. China also aims to establish the International Lunar Research Station in cooperation with international partners over the next decade.
China supports regulating space resource activities by faithfully interpreting and implementing current international space law, particularly the Outer Space Treaty. The fundamental principles of the Outer Space Treaty, such as peaceful use, benefit for all humankind, non-appropriation, international cooperation, and compliance with international law, should apply to space resource activities. China believes the Working Group should be guided by the consistent and universal application of international space law in developing initial recommended principles.
In formulating these principles, China suggests the Working Group prioritize solving urgent practical issues related to ongoing or upcoming national plans for space resource activities. The principles should be based on existing international space law, focusing on interpretation and application, while considering the limited practice of space resource activities and ensuring practicality of any proposed new rules.
China highlighted several key issues for the Working Group to address:
- Reaffirming and operationalizing the principle of non-appropriation to ensure space resource activities conform to this fundamental principle.
- Encouraging space resource activities for scientific investigation, which contribute to space science and application research, and ensuring commercial activities do not negatively impact scientific activities.
- Enhancing coordination of space resource activities through principles that implement cooperation and mutual assistance to ensure safe and orderly conduct.
- Ensuring sufficient supervision of non-governmental entities’ space resource activities by defining standards and procedures for state authorization and continuing supervision.
- Protecting sustainability of space resources by preventing depletive exploitation and ensuring freedom of exploration and use for future generations.
China’s submission provides valuable input as the Working Group develops initial recommended principles for space resource activities. By sharing its perspective and plans, China contributes to the international dialogue on this important emerging issue in space law and policy. The Working Group will need to carefully consider the various viewpoints and proposals as it works towards a framework that promotes responsible and sustainable utilization of space resources for the benefit of all humankind.
