VIENNA -- China will as always continue to make its contributions to the peaceful uses of outer space, said Tang Guoqiang, head of the Chinese Delegation at the 50th Session of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS), on Wednesday.

It will also support and participate in the work of the committee under various items, said Tang, who is also the Chinese permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna.

Recognizing the exploration and use of outer space should serve peaceful purposes and seek benefits for mankind, Tang stressed the need to "adopt further measures to prevent an outer-space weaponization and an arms race."

The year of 2007 marks the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty as well as the 50th anniversary of the launch into orbit of the first man-made earth satellite.

Hailing the 1967 treaty and four other outer space treaties, Tang said they "jointly constitute the existing international legal regime governing outer space" and have played a "positive and effective" role in "regulating national space activities, safeguarding national rights and interests in outer space, maintaining order in outer space and promoting international space cooperation".

But these treaties have "apparent deficiencies" in "regulating the commercialization and privatization of space activities" as well as in preventing outer space weaponization and an arms race, he added.

China is "in favor of making additions and improvements to the existing outer space framework through proper means without jeopardizing the basic principles of the existing space law," said Tang.

In his speech, the Chinese envoy also elaborated on the latest developments and progress in China through international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.

Concerning China's role in the Asia-Pacific region in this field, Tang said that "as the host country to the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), China has been working to promote the convention of the organization."

China will work closely with signatories to "make sure that APSCO is up and running at an early date so as to contribute to improving space cooperation among and the well-being of the people of Asia-Pacific countries," he added.

"China stands ready to join with others in continued efforts in exploring and promoting ways and means of sustainable development in the peaceful uses of outer space," the Chinese envoy said.

The 10-day COPUOS Session, attended by more than 50 member states, began in Vienna on Wednesday. During the session, the delegates will discuss such major issues as the peaceful uses of outer space and the promotion of common development of all of humanity.