SINGAPORE'S EXPLANATION OF VOTE FOR THE FIRST COMMITTEE RESOLUTION "FURTHER PRACTICAL MEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION OF AN ARMS RACE IN OUTER SPACE", 72ND UNGA, 30 OCTOBER 2017

Thank you, Mr Chairman.

1             Singapore firmly believes that outer space should remain a peaceful global commons, and we are committed to the endeavour of preventing an arms race in outer space.  An arms race in outer space would pose a grave threat to international peace and security.  In addition, it would endanger many essential services that are reliant on technologically-advanced applications in space, including telecommunications, weather monitoring and global positioning.

2             However, most of the existing treaties on outer space were drafted in the 1960s to the 1980s.  The international community must work together and build consensus on international norms in space, taking into account advancements in space technology and applications since then.  Singapore is committed to working with others in this endeavour, and we will continue to support the UN’s efforts in working towards an open and inclusive international framework to ensure the long-term sustainability of outer space utilisation and the security of space.  This is why Singapore has voted in favour of L.54.

3             Our view is that the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) proposed in this resolution needs to be both transparent and inclusive.  It is important for the GGE to take into account the differing views of all countries when making its recommendations.  To this end, we encourage all countries to participate in the discussions in the GGE. Further, the GGE should keep its focus broad and consider all existing discussions on the peaceful uses of outer space, including but not limited to the Treaty on the Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space, the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects (PPWT).

4                  I thank you, Mr Chairman.

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