Asian Space Cooperation and Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization: An Appraisal of Critical Legal Challenges in the Belt and Road Space Initiative Context

Abstract

The Belt and Road (B&R) initiative has been put forward by China as a comprehensive and multifaceted plan that also touches on the space industry. One significant project aimed by the B&R framework is to establish the B&R Space Information Corridor (B&R-SIC). The Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), which was initially created by China as the platform to lead Asian space cooperation, has been recognized as a qualified participant of the B&R-SIC to co-build relevant programs and provide services. However, the existing legal mechanisms both internal and external to APSCO are insufficient to ensure the progress of its activities involving B&R space projects. It is necessary to explore a legal arrangement between APSCO and the responsible administrations of B&R space projects, at the same time of improving the legal framework of APSCO itself. More comprehensive implementation of the “fair return” principle could play an important role because it is helpful to generate a sustainable cooperation mechanism by equally respecting all member states' contributions. Also, a legal framework to accommodate increased commercial activities of APSCO will be beneficial.