Exovera’s report, China’s Position on International Space Law: Balancing Peaceful Rhetoric and Strategic Ambition, analyzes how China promotes multilateralism and peaceful space governance in international forums while often pursuing strategic autonomy in practice. At the 2025 UN COPUOS session, China reaffirmed its support for international treaties, but its actions—such as the 2007 anti-satellite test and selective satellite registration—highlight a gap between rhetoric and behavior.
China’s rejection of the Moon Agreement and criticism of the Artemis Accords reflect its preference for sovereign control over space resources. Through initiatives like the International Lunar Research Station and partnerships with the UN, China seeks to shape global norms while advancing its own interests. This dual-track approach will significantly influence the future of space law and governance.
