China's Lunar Exploration and Utilization: Positive Energy for International Law or Not?

Abstract

China's lunar exploration and utilization, the Chang’e Program, was officially initiated in January 2004. Its technologies and activities in this field have been developing at a rapid rate and many achievements have been gained during the last decade. In general, China's activities of lunar exploration and utilization conform to the requirements of its international legal obligations in accordance with the UN space treaties it have acceded to: primarily motivated by science advancement and economic development without intention to intensify the trend of militarization; more and more aware of the importance of the safe and sustainable access to and use of outer space and no evidence demonstrating that the Chang’e Program has damaged the lunar environment; the non-appropriation principle being confirmed by relevant case law.