New York: Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, deputy head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), emphasised the importance of adhering to international law and the principle of non-appropriation of outer space, while representing ASEAN at the 13th meeting of the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (Fourth Committee) of the 79th UN General Assembly on October 30.
According to Vietnam News Agency, Minister Counsellor Nguyen highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in outer space. He urged all parties to uphold the principle of non-appropriation to ensure that space remains a domain for peaceful exploration and use by all humanity. This principle, embedded in international law, prohibits any nation from claiming sovereignty over outer space or celestial bodies.
Minister Counsellor Nguyen’s statement reflects ASEAN’s collective stance on the responsible use of outer space, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in preserving space
as a global commons. The call for adherence to international law comes amid increasing activities in outer space by various countries and private entities, raising concerns about potential conflicts and the militarization of space.
ASEAN’s participation in the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee meeting underscores the regional bloc’s proactive approach in contributing to global discussions on space governance. The emphasis on non-appropriation aligns with existing international treaties and agreements, such as the Outer Space Treaty, which serves as a framework for the peaceful use and exploration of space.