Statement by H.E. Mr. Akio Suda
Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Japan
to the Conference on Disarmament
Geneva, 8 February 2011
Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space
The Government of Japan is making active efforts towards the peaceful use of space and supports the idea of preventing an arms race in outer space (PAROS). With the view that such an arms race should be avoided, we are involved in the discussions on this issue within the CD, as well as various other international fora. Japan is committed to comprehensively examining and discussing various topics related to PAROS including the draft PPWT.
Mr. President,
Since the dawn of the space age, a vast number of satellites have been launched into space for a host of different purposes, such as communication, earth-observation, navigation and other beneficial functions. These satellites have taken on an indispensable role for humanity, and have made an enormous difference to the daily lives and welfare of all members of the international community.
However, this increasing dependence on outer space has led us to confront numerous problems. The most urgent concern is the creation of debris, which poses an immense danger to satellite operations and a threat to the space environment and international security. Space debris has many causes, both civilian and military. But while the civilian aspect of debris is being tackled in COPUOS, the military aspect remains unaddressed.
From this perspective, we need to advance substantive discussions on how the CD can promote enhanced space security, in particular through the possible introduction of transparency and confidence-building measures. These measures would contribute to creating the conditions whereby the production of space debris due to military activities could be avoided.
Japan believes that the EU drafted code of conduct for outer space activities, which focuses on both civilian and military operations, is an example of an international initiative for effective TCB measures, even though it is outside the CD. The UNGA resolution on TCBMs in outer space activities supported every year by a great majority of UN Member States is another important example of relevant international efforts in this area. In this context, the CD can contribute to these international endeavors. Moreover the CD could engage in further study on possible measures to effectively ban ASATs with a view to, amongst others, preventing the further generation of space debris.
Mr. President,
Lastly, I wish to convey my appreciation to UNIDIR for holding a very useful seminar on PAROS every year. I would also like to welcome the side event held yesterday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute on space trends and their security implications. These side events on the outer space issue contribute to the furtherance of our discussions in the CD.
Thank you.