Social Sciences in China, 2025

Vol. 46, No. 4, 2025

Study on Constructing a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity in Outer Space—An Analysis Based on China’s Four Major Global Initiatives

(Abstract)

Zhou Shun and He Qisong

Since the end of the Cold War, the traditional mechanisms of international outer space governance have become increasingly inadequate in addressing challenges like the weaponization and battleffeldization of outer space, unbalanced resource allocation, and the crisis of sustainable development. To advance a community with a shared future for humanity in outer space, China has proposed a systematic framework anchored in its four major global initiatives. On security, China opposes outer space weaponization and advocates a holistic security approach. On development, China promotes fair distribution of outer space orbital resources and inclusive technology sharing to narrow the North-South gap. From the aspect of civilization, China fosters cross-cultural exchanges and mutual learning, and empowers the Global South to participate in outer space governance. In terms of governance, China upholds equality and multilateralism, urges joint adherence to the international rule of law, and adheres to the people-centered concept in taking concrete actions to address outer space challenges. In practice, China facilitates technology sharing via outer space cooperation platforms, establishes legal safeguards to reduce confficts, and deepens cultural exchanges to build consensus, achieving a dynamic balance between outer space security and development. Through inclusive governance, China addresses “four deffcits” in the areas of peace, security, development, and governance, offering Chinese wisdom to global outer space governance.

Keywords: four major global initiatives, outer space, community with a shared future for humanity in outer space, global outer space governance