The Making of Code of Conduct under China’s Space Station

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1671-0940.2025.02.006

Abstract

Abstract: In 2022, China’s space station completed construction and entered the application and development phase. With the ISS set to decommission in 2030, China’s space station will become the sole low-orbit space station. The selection of astronauts from Hong Kong, Macao, and Pakistan highlights the necessity of establishing a clear code of conduct. Drawing on the ISS experience, China’s space station should establish a code of conduct (CoC) with a legal framework that respects international law and emphasizes peaceful use and mutual benefit. Against this backdrop, it is of importance to design a legal framework, addressing key issues including but not limited to, jurisdiction, ethical standards for research, intellectual property protection and international collaboration mechanisms. This article is among the first attempts to answer those questions.

Key words: China space station, code of conduct, international cooperation

KOU Chen, ZHANG Luping. The Making of Code of Conduct under China’s Space Station[J]. AEROSPACE CHINA, 2025, 26(2): 47-54.

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ISSN 1671-0940

CN 11-4673/V