* Russia and the United States make waves again at the Security Council on the issue of nuclear weapons in outer space
At a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on April 24, a heated debate on outer space security took place between Russia and the United States. The debate focused on a draft resolution on outer space security, co-sponsored by Japan and the United States, calling on all countries to refrain from the development and deployment of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in outer space in order to prevent a potential nuclear arms race in outer space. However, the debate was all the more striking when Russia voted firmly against the 15-member Security Council, while China abstained. Speaking after the vote, US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield directly questioned Russia's oppositionShe noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously publicly stated that "Moscow has no intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space," so she questioned Russia's opposition. "Today's veto begs the question: Why, if you follow the rules, why not support a resolution that reaffirms those rules?" But you don't want that. ”
The Russian delegation did not immediately respond to the US question. However, before that, the Russian Foreign Ministry had expressed concern about the draft resolution, believing that it might restrict the scientific research and peaceful use activities of various countries in outer space, and pointed out that outer space activities should follow the principle of "peaceful use and win-win cooperation." At the Security Council meeting, the representative of the Russian Federation stressed that any resolution restricting outer space activities should be approached with caution and required broad international consensus.
The representative of the United States, for his part, insisted that the limitation of nuclear weapons in outer space is a necessary measure for the maintenance of global peace and securityShe said that with the progress of science and technology, outer space has become a new area of strategic competition, and all countries must make joint efforts to prevent outer space from becoming a new battlefield in the nuclear arms race. Thomas Greenfield also pointed out that the existence of nuclear weapons in outer space will pose a serious threat to global strategic stability and may trigger a new round of the arms race.
In his statement before the vote, the representative of China expressed his concern and reservations about the draft resolution. The Chinese representative pointed out that outer space security is a complex issue that requires comprehensive consideration of the interests and concerns of all countries. China stresses that outer space should become a "new highland" for the common development of mankind, not a "new battlefield" for military competitionTherefore, China calls on all countries to exercise restraint on the issue of outer space, seek consensus through dialogue and consultation, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in outer space. _
The debate at this Security Council meeting has once again highlighted the complexity and sensitivity of the issue of outer space security. Although the draft resolution proposed by the United States and Japan was supported by the majority of member states, the positions of Russia and China also reflect the different views and interests of the international community on the issue of outer space security. How to balance the interests of all parties and promote the proper resolution of outer space security issues will become an important challenge facing the international community in the future.
With the development of science and technology, outer space activities are becoming more and more frequent, and the issue of outer space security is becoming more and more prominent. All countries should realize that outer space security is not just a national issue, but a common concern of all mankindOnly by strengthening international cooperation and jointly formulating and perfecting rules on outer space security can we ensure the peace, security, and sustainable development of outer space activities. It is hoped that the debate at this Security Council meeting will trigger more reflection and discussion on the issue of outer space security, and provide clearer guidance and guarantees for future outer space activities.