Statement by the Head of Japanese Delegation on Agenda Item 4: General exchange of views, at the 55th session of the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS
2016/4/5
Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Delegates,
On behalf of the Japanese Government, I am pleased to address the 55th session of the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS.
First of all, we would like to congratulate Mr. Lagos Koller from Chile, for being elected as Chairman of this Subcommittee. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Schrogl, former Chairman of this Subcommittee, for his outstanding accomplishments during the past two years. In addition, we welcome six States, (El Salvador, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates), as new members of the Committee.
We would also like to express our gratitude to Dr. Mayence for his contribution towards the Working Group on “the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space”, as well as to congratulate the new chairman of this Working Group, Dr. Schmidt-Tedd from Germany.
In recent years, an increasing number of States have become engaged in space activities, making it all the more critical that we collectively behave in a responsible manner consistent with international laws for the long-term safety, security, sustainability and stability of the space environment. Under the circumstances, Japan would like to reiterate the increasing importance of the United Nations treaties on outer space, and to emphasize the need to use various fora, including this Subcommittee, to call upon Member States to ratify them and to implement them properly.
A number of principles, declarations and guidelines for the peaceful use of outer space in the form of UN General Assembly resolutions have been developed in the Committee since the early 1980s. Japan would like to reiterate that these resolutions have been playing an important role to complement the existing treaties for the peaceful use of outer space. Japan attaches significant importance to these resolutions. In this context, in 2013, Japan proposed the new agenda item “General exchange of information on non-legally binding United Nations instruments on outer space", co-sponsored by Austria, Canada, France, Nigeria and the United States. The purpose of this agenda item is to facilitate exchange of views and information sharing on the implementation of these non-legally binding United Nations instruments.
At the previous session of this Subcommittee, Japan took the lead in preparing a compendium of responses to the questionnaire, and to submit it to this session. So far, we have received responses from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to these States for their contributions, and call upon other members to provide information with regard to this agenda item. We hope the compendium will invigorate discussions on this agenda item and will serve as a useful and meaningful reference for all States and agencies to implement these non-legally binding United Nations instruments.
Mr. Chairman,
During this session of the Subcommittee, deliberations of the Working Group under the agenda item “Review of the international mechanisms for cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space” chaired by Prof. Setsuko Aoki will continue. Japan notes that this Subcommittee has played an important role in providing a unique platform to discuss the legal aspects of the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. By reviewing a number of existing cooperation efforts, we hope to have a clear overview of all international mechanisms and highlight success stories accordingly. During this session, we will provide an overview of our experience with international cooperation mechanisms. We hope that all States will make active contributions under this agenda item.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce recent developments in Japan’s space policies. Our new “Basic Plan on Space Policy” established last year per the instruction of Prime Minister Abe, reflects a new security policy, establishes a 10 year long-term development plan, and clarifies the priority of projects. Based on this new Policy and as an increasing number of private enterprises have entered the Japanese market on space application, the Government of Japan drafted a new bill concerning the launch and control of satellites and another bill ensuring adequate handling of satellite remote sensing data. Both bills were recently submitted to the Diet.
Mr. Chairman,
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce some of Japan’s recent space activities and achievements. Last December, Japan decided to extend its participation in the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2024, through operation and utilization of the Japanese Experiment Module, “Kibo” and the H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI” (HTV). We are pleased to announce that Astronaut Kimiya Yui returned safely to Earth last December after completing a 142-day mission on the International Space Station. During his mission. Astronaut Yui played an important role by manipulating the robotic arm to capture and release the “KOUNOTORI 5”. His successor, Astronaut Takuya Onishi has been assigned to the 48th/49th Expedition Mission in June this year. As for launching, Telesat's broadcast and telecommunication satellite, Telstar 12 VANTAGE, on board the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 29 was successfully launched in November 2015. Notably, this is the first dedicated commercial launch of H-IIA. Furthermore, Japan successfully launched the X-ray Astronomy Satellite “ASTRO-H” or “HITOMI” by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle on 17 February. At the moment, JAXA has been having difficulties communicating with “HITOMI”, but is making the utmost efforts for recovery. These launched space objects are or will be registered to the Secretary-General of the United Nations with related information in accordance with the Convention on the registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. As for regional cooperation and information exchange, Japan annually participates in the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF). APRSAF-22 was successfully held last December in Bali, Indonesia. The next forum, APRSAF-23 will be held in the Philippines, this November, and we welcome all interested States to attend.
Mr. Chairman
I would like to reaffirm Japan’s opinion regarding the launch of a missile by North Korea. The launch, even if North Korea calls it a “launch of a satellite”, is an obvious violation of UN Security Council Resolutions which obligate North Korea not to conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology and is totally unacceptable. Japan lodges its serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea. Japan, once again, strongly urges North Korea to immediately and fully implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions including Resolution 2270 unanimously adopted this March.
Mr. Chairman,
Before closing, I would like to take this opportunity to announce a seminar cohosted by CNES and JAXA during this Subcommittee titled “Cross-cutting perspectives in space law” to be held this Thursday, April 7th, right after the afternoon session in this room. The seminar will be followed by a reception. All delegations are cordially invited to attend both the seminar and reception.
Let me conclude my remarks by reassuring the commitment of Japan to accomplishing the goals of COPUOS and by reiterating our willingness to work together with you to achieve tangible results.
Thank you for your kind attention.
On behalf of the Japanese Government, I am pleased to address the 55th session of the Legal Subcommittee of COPUOS.
First of all, we would like to congratulate Mr. Lagos Koller from Chile, for being elected as Chairman of this Subcommittee. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Schrogl, former Chairman of this Subcommittee, for his outstanding accomplishments during the past two years. In addition, we welcome six States, (El Salvador, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates), as new members of the Committee.
We would also like to express our gratitude to Dr. Mayence for his contribution towards the Working Group on “the Status and Application of the Five United Nations Treaties on Outer Space”, as well as to congratulate the new chairman of this Working Group, Dr. Schmidt-Tedd from Germany.
In recent years, an increasing number of States have become engaged in space activities, making it all the more critical that we collectively behave in a responsible manner consistent with international laws for the long-term safety, security, sustainability and stability of the space environment. Under the circumstances, Japan would like to reiterate the increasing importance of the United Nations treaties on outer space, and to emphasize the need to use various fora, including this Subcommittee, to call upon Member States to ratify them and to implement them properly.
A number of principles, declarations and guidelines for the peaceful use of outer space in the form of UN General Assembly resolutions have been developed in the Committee since the early 1980s. Japan would like to reiterate that these resolutions have been playing an important role to complement the existing treaties for the peaceful use of outer space. Japan attaches significant importance to these resolutions. In this context, in 2013, Japan proposed the new agenda item “General exchange of information on non-legally binding United Nations instruments on outer space", co-sponsored by Austria, Canada, France, Nigeria and the United States. The purpose of this agenda item is to facilitate exchange of views and information sharing on the implementation of these non-legally binding United Nations instruments.
At the previous session of this Subcommittee, Japan took the lead in preparing a compendium of responses to the questionnaire, and to submit it to this session. So far, we have received responses from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to these States for their contributions, and call upon other members to provide information with regard to this agenda item. We hope the compendium will invigorate discussions on this agenda item and will serve as a useful and meaningful reference for all States and agencies to implement these non-legally binding United Nations instruments.
Mr. Chairman,
During this session of the Subcommittee, deliberations of the Working Group under the agenda item “Review of the international mechanisms for cooperation in the peaceful exploration and use of outer space” chaired by Prof. Setsuko Aoki will continue. Japan notes that this Subcommittee has played an important role in providing a unique platform to discuss the legal aspects of the peaceful exploration and use of outer space. By reviewing a number of existing cooperation efforts, we hope to have a clear overview of all international mechanisms and highlight success stories accordingly. During this session, we will provide an overview of our experience with international cooperation mechanisms. We hope that all States will make active contributions under this agenda item.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce recent developments in Japan’s space policies. Our new “Basic Plan on Space Policy” established last year per the instruction of Prime Minister Abe, reflects a new security policy, establishes a 10 year long-term development plan, and clarifies the priority of projects. Based on this new Policy and as an increasing number of private enterprises have entered the Japanese market on space application, the Government of Japan drafted a new bill concerning the launch and control of satellites and another bill ensuring adequate handling of satellite remote sensing data. Both bills were recently submitted to the Diet.
Mr. Chairman,
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce some of Japan’s recent space activities and achievements. Last December, Japan decided to extend its participation in the operation of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2024, through operation and utilization of the Japanese Experiment Module, “Kibo” and the H-II Transfer Vehicle “KOUNOTORI” (HTV). We are pleased to announce that Astronaut Kimiya Yui returned safely to Earth last December after completing a 142-day mission on the International Space Station. During his mission. Astronaut Yui played an important role by manipulating the robotic arm to capture and release the “KOUNOTORI 5”. His successor, Astronaut Takuya Onishi has been assigned to the 48th/49th Expedition Mission in June this year. As for launching, Telesat's broadcast and telecommunication satellite, Telstar 12 VANTAGE, on board the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 29 was successfully launched in November 2015. Notably, this is the first dedicated commercial launch of H-IIA. Furthermore, Japan successfully launched the X-ray Astronomy Satellite “ASTRO-H” or “HITOMI” by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle on 17 February. At the moment, JAXA has been having difficulties communicating with “HITOMI”, but is making the utmost efforts for recovery. These launched space objects are or will be registered to the Secretary-General of the United Nations with related information in accordance with the Convention on the registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space. As for regional cooperation and information exchange, Japan annually participates in the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF). APRSAF-22 was successfully held last December in Bali, Indonesia. The next forum, APRSAF-23 will be held in the Philippines, this November, and we welcome all interested States to attend.
Mr. Chairman
I would like to reaffirm Japan’s opinion regarding the launch of a missile by North Korea. The launch, even if North Korea calls it a “launch of a satellite”, is an obvious violation of UN Security Council Resolutions which obligate North Korea not to conduct any launches using ballistic missile technology and is totally unacceptable. Japan lodges its serious protest and strongly condemns North Korea. Japan, once again, strongly urges North Korea to immediately and fully implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions including Resolution 2270 unanimously adopted this March.
Mr. Chairman,
Before closing, I would like to take this opportunity to announce a seminar cohosted by CNES and JAXA during this Subcommittee titled “Cross-cutting perspectives in space law” to be held this Thursday, April 7th, right after the afternoon session in this room. The seminar will be followed by a reception. All delegations are cordially invited to attend both the seminar and reception.
Let me conclude my remarks by reassuring the commitment of Japan to accomplishing the goals of COPUOS and by reiterating our willingness to work together with you to achieve tangible results.
Thank you for your kind attention.
The Practical Export Control Workshop was hosted by the Wassenaar Arrangement as part of its 20th Anniversary programs and held at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna on 27 and 28 June 2016. More than 100 government representatives from 46 countries participated in the technically focused Practical Workshop.
Workshop speakers included the 2016 WA Plenary Chair Ambassador Anu Laamanen (Finland), 2016 WA General Working Group Chair Ambassador Paul Beijer (Sweden), 2015-2016 WA Experts Group Chair Robertas Rosinas (Lithuania), 2016 WA Licensing and Enforcement Officers Meeting Chair Jon Erik Strömö (Norway), as well as the Head of the WA Secretariat, Ambassador Philip Griffiths. The WA control lists as well as export licensing and enforcement topics were covered during the two days.
The following link from WA’s webpage contains more details:
http://www.wassenaar.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/June-2016-Workshop-media-release.pdf
Workshop speakers included the 2016 WA Plenary Chair Ambassador Anu Laamanen (Finland), 2016 WA General Working Group Chair Ambassador Paul Beijer (Sweden), 2015-2016 WA Experts Group Chair Robertas Rosinas (Lithuania), 2016 WA Licensing and Enforcement Officers Meeting Chair Jon Erik Strömö (Norway), as well as the Head of the WA Secretariat, Ambassador Philip Griffiths. The WA control lists as well as export licensing and enforcement topics were covered during the two days.
The following link from WA’s webpage contains more details:
http://www.wassenaar.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/June-2016-Workshop-media-release.pdf