Mr. Chair,

An arms race in and the weaponization of outer space have become a real threat currently. The United States has defined the outer space as a war-fighting domain and openly acknowledged the deployment of on-orbit space control weapons , sending an extremely dangerous signal to the international community. The acute contradiction between the aspiration of the majority of States to maintain space security and the pursuit of one country for hegemony in outer space represents the gravest challenge in outer space security. China puts forward the following proposals:

Firstly, take the prevention of an arms race in and the weaponization of outer space as the most urgent task of space security governance. Without resolving this fundamental issue, other rules governing outer space will be undermined. All states should uphold the proposition that "Space war cannot be won and must never be fought". No state should seek to dominate outer space, nor engage in great-power competition or confrontation in outer space.

Secondly, strengthen international efforts to negotiate and conclude an arms control treaty on outer space. Facts have proven that voluntary measures cannot stop the weaponization of outer space. The PPWT draft proposed by China and Russia is currently the only proposal on table for a legally-binding instrument on outer space arms control. Its two core obligations "prohibiting the placement of weapons in outer space" and "prohibiting the threat or use of force against outer space objects" can fundamentally prevent the weaponization of outer space and its transformation into a battlefield.

We welcome all parties to discuss and refine the PPWT text, make good use of the consensus report of the Group of Governmental Experts on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space, advance the work of the ongoing Open-ended Working Group on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space in all its aspects, and contribute more substantive elements to a legally binding instrument on outer space arms control.

Thirdly, uphold multilateral consultations and oppose double standards. Rules for outer space should be jointly formulated by all countries, rather than small cliques or exclusive arrangements. We should actively promote international cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space. "Selective arms control" while turning blind eyes to the deployment of weapons in orbit are not conducive for safeguarding the peace and security in outer space.

Fourthly, attach importance to governance on emerging issues. We need to conduct in-depth research into the legal disputes and practical problems arising from the intervention of commercial aerospace actors in armed conflicts of other states, and put forward viable governance solutions based on extensive consultations.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.