Chair,

The global governance of outer space is now at a critical crossroads. Competition for space resources is intensifying, and the gap in space technology is widening. The rights of all States to participate in outer space activities on an equal footing and share in the benefits of outer space development are not adequately safeguarded. The risks of the weaponization of outer space and arms race in outer space are rising significantly. Certain countries are seeking to “dominate space”, accelerating military build-ups and preparations for war in outer space, and openly deploying of weapons in outer space, which seriously undermine stability and lasting peace in outer space. The existing international legal regime governing outer space and related rules are increasingly lagging behind, while fragmentation and deficits in governance are becoming more pronounced.

Recently, Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced China's Position on Strengthening Outer Space Governance at the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong'an). The document puts forward constructive approaches to outer space issues of common concern to the international community, contributing China's wisdom to efforts to build a just and equitable outer space governance system and a community with a shared future for humanity in outer space. The document will be circulated as an official document of the General Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight its core propositions:

On development, China advocates safeguarding the right of all States to have equitable access to outer space and to explore and use it without discrimination, and ensuring that the achievements of outer space exploration benefit all humanity. We attach importance to the needs of developing countries, call for stronger international exchange and cooperation, and oppose discriminatory policies and barriers. While encouraging the development of the outer space economy, we also advocate regulating commercial space activities.

On security, China firmly opposes the weaponization of outer space and turning it into a new theater of conflict, as well as offensive military policies in outer space. We advocate negotiating and concluding an international legal instrument on arms control in outer space, taking all possible measures to prevent an arms race in outer space and avoiding armed conflict in outer space. We encourage States to engage in dialogue, exchange information and provide necessary notifications, and to strengthen crisis prevention and management.

On governance, China advocates that States act in the spirit of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, uphold the United Nations as the main channel of global governance in outer space, and encourage other multilateral mechanisms and professional bodies to play a constructive role within their respective mandates. We also call for increasing the representation and voice of developing countries, and building an open, equitable and effective governance mechanism based on broad participation.

China stands ready to continue exchanges and dialogue with all parties in an open and constructive spirit, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and ensure that the achievements of outer space development deliver greater benefits to all humanity.

Thank you, Chair.