STATEMENT BY H.E.MR. SUMIO TARUI
AMBASSADOR,
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN
TO
THE CONFERENCE ON DISARMAMENT
Geneva, 13 February 2007
Madame President,
In relation to the topic of todays formal plenary,
Japan basically lends support to the idea of preventing an arms race in
outer space. Moreover, we are
actively working for the peaceful use of space. In this connection, Japan has
submitted reports to the UN Secretary General in accordance with the requirements
set out in the UN General Assembly resolution on confidence building in outer
space. Japan
hopes that our discussions during this year’s CD session will be as valuable as
those carried out last year.
Madame President,
Whether it be ‘weaponization’
or ‘space objects’, the core concepts of PAROS are vague and obscure. Due
to this vague nature, the ad hoc committee, which between 1985 and 1994 was
tasked with addressing PAROS, produced no substantial results as agreement could not be reached
among the countries on the definition of “space weapons” or ASATs. As the definitions still remain vague,
it would be therefore considerably difficult to negotiate a treaty, since it is
unclear what obligations would be imposed on the states parties. On the other hand, we are confident that
under the able guidance of the Coordinator for Agenda Item III, there will be
very fruitful discussions this year to overcome these difficulties.
Madame President,
A vast number of satellites have been
launched into outer space for a multitude of purposes, such as communication, earth-observation,
navigation and other beneficial functions.
These satellites play an indispensable role for humanity and have made
an immeasurable difference to the safety and welfare of all members of the
international community.
From the perspective of the
safe use of outer space and national security, Japan would like to raise its concern
in relation to the recent Chinese anti-satellite test. We have sought an explanation from the
Chinese Government about the facts and intentions of their act, but as yet, China’s explanation has not dispelled
the concerns of the international community including Japan. We seek a prompt provision of information
on this matter.
In 2002, China in cooperation with the Russian Federation circulated as an
official document of the CD possible elements for a future PAROS treaty (CD/1679), which
as a basic obligation proposed a prohibition on the use of force against outer space
objects. Taking into account that
the recent test by the Chinese Government can be considered to violate its own
proposal, we would like an explanation on this point.
Even though the recent
test brought about the destruction of China’s own satellite, this
action may also adversely affect the satellites and space activities of other
space-faring nations. Consequently,
as the facts related to this situation are revealed in due course, it could be inconsistent
with the provisions of the Outer Space Treaty.
Through the cooperation
of each country, substantial deliberations have been accomplished in COPUOS to
reduce the amount of space debris in order to create a safer operating
environment for outer space activities.
It is thus regrettable that the creation of space debris by the Chinese
Government’s recent anti-satellite test, which could seriously damage the satellites
in orbit of other nations, goes against all our cooperative efforts and the
assertions of China itself.
Japan requests China to display greater
transparency in its outer space activities, as well as its military activities
as a whole.
Thank you, Madame President.