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China to join efforts to maintain peace in outer space

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-06-04 09:37

VIENNA -- China is ready to join the international community in efforts to maintain peace in outer space, a Chinese envoy said here at the 52nd plenary session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).

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"The Chinese government has always stood for and abided by the principle of peaceful use of outer space," Tang Guoqiang, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Vienna, said, "We considered this an important part of efforts to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity."

He also said outer space is the common property of humanity and its exploration and use concerns all humanity.

He elaborated the Chinese government's position on the establishment and improvement of relevant laws and regulations to effectively prevent weaponization and an arms race in outer space, as well as on other issues.

The president of the 52nd session of the COPUOS, Ciro Arevalo Yepes,said in an interview with Xinhua that the Chinese government "pays great attention to the development of the space industry."

He also said he believes China's active participation would help the international community to better respond to many global problems.

When addressing the conference, China's first astronaut Yang Liwei called for peaceful development and use of outer space.

The COPUOS was established in 1959 as one of the United Nations General Assembly committees with the purpose of developing principles and regulations for peaceful use of outer space, as well as to promote  cooperation and research, and to explore the technological and legal issues that may arise.

It currently has 69 member states. China became a full member in November 1980.

The 52nd session of COPUOS is being held from June 3-12 at the UN office in Vienna.