Abstract
International cooperation in commercial space is an effective way to optimise the space industry and maximise the interests of all parties. China’s commercial space industry started relatively late, and China is also actively seeking cooperation. However, some developed countries, including the United States, have strictly controlled the export of space-related goods, technology and services through Missile Technology Control Regime, the Wassenaar Arrangement and related domestic laws. In addition, China’s export control regulations related to the space industry are scattered and lack unified applicable rules, which is not conducive to potential commercial space internationalisation. China needs to establish a comprehensive, scientific and practical legal regime and policy support mechanism for the export control of space-related items. Meanwhile, China should participate more in the international multilateral export control system and break through the bottleneck of international cooperation in commercial space through transparency, mutual trust and reciprocity.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Recovery Climb Continues (2023). https://www.accenture.com/gb-en/insights/aerospace-defense/commercial-aerospace-report-lead-in-the-new. Accessed 5 May 2023
Commercial Aircraft Global Market Report (2023). https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/commercial-aircraft-global-market-report. Accessed 5 May 2023
CAGR. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/valuation/what-is-cagr/. Accessed 5 March 2023
Benchmark International (2022) GLOBAL SPACE INDUSTRY REPORT. https://blog.benchmarkcorporate.com/2022-global-space-industry-report. Accessed 13 June 2023
Li B, Zhao H (2011) Governmental Regulations on Commercial Aspects of China’s Space Activities. Indian J Int’l Econ L 3:28
Pike G (1991) Chinese launch services: a user’s guide. Space Policy 7:103–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/0265-9646(91)90021-9
Qing S (2005) China Returning to International Commercial Launch Service Market. Aerosp China 7
China’s Space Activities In 2006, White Paper (October 12, 2006). https://china.usc.edu/chinas-space-activities-2006-white-paper. Accessed 6 May 2023
Jones A (2019) China creates commercial space alliance, expands launch complex. https://spacenews.com/china-creates-commercial-space-alliance-expands-launch-complex/. Accessed 6 May 2023
Zhao H (2009) The Status Quo and the Future of Chinese Space Legislation. Ger J Air Space L 58:100–101
Kelly Whealan George (2019) The economic impacts of the commercial space industry. Space Policy 47:181–186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2018.12.003
The Union of Concerned Scientists, UCS Satellite Database. (2022). https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database. Accessed 6 May 2023
Gatens R (2016) Commercializing low-Earth orbit and the role of the International Space Station. IEEE Aerosp Conf. https://doi.org/10.1109/AERO.2016.7500763
Workgroup of the Strategy and International Affairs Committee of the French Aeronautics and Astronautics Association (3AF) (2009) Europe’s major challenge for the 21st century: access to space. Space Policy 25:99–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2009.02.007
Peter B. de Selding (2016) EU’s new space policy to invest in startups, boost private investment (October 26, 2016). https://spacenews.com/eu-commissions-new-space-policy-to-invest-in-startups-to-boost-private-investment/. Accessed 6 May 2023
Gatto G, Rozenkopf I, Sodoge T, Vogt I (2022) Strengthening collaboration in the European space ecosystem, Strengthening Collaboration in the European Space Ecosystem (June 22, 2022). https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/aerospace-and-defense/our-insights/strengthening-collaboration-in-the-european-space-ecosystem. Accessed 8 May 2023
European Commission, EU Space Programme - Performance. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/performance-and-reporting/programme-performance-overview/eu-space-programme-performance_en. Accessed 7 May 2023
UK Space Agency (2023) National Space strategy-GOV. UK (April 17, 2023). https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-space-agency-funding-for-international-space-partnerships. Accessed 6 May 2023
Ministry of trade and industry, finland, act on the control of exports of dual-use goods. https://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/1996/en19960562_20010884.pdf. Accessed 6 May 2023
Government Decisions - The Russian Government, Approval of the federal targeted programme Development of Spaceports for the Period 2017–2025 to Support the Space Activities of the Russian Federation. (September 21, 2017). http://government.ru/en/docs/29338/. Accessed 7 May 2023
GOV.UK (2022) National space strategy. (February 1, 2022). https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-space-strategy/national-space-strategy. Accessed 6 May 2023
U.S. Department of State, Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, Initial Elements: Statement of Purposes, para.1 adopted by the Plenary of 11–12 July 1996 and as exceptionally amended by the Plenary of 6–7 December 2001. https://2001-2009.state.gov/t/isn/rls/fs/2001/5285.htm. Accessed 4 May 2023
Missile technology control regime, frequently asked questions (FAQs). https://mtcr.info/frequently-asked-questions-faqs/. Accessed 4 May 2023
Missile technology control regime, MTCR guidelines. https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/mtcr, https://mtcr.info/guidelines-for-sensitive-missile-relevant-transfers/. Accessed 5 May 2023
Arms Control Association, The Missile Technology Control Regime at a Glance, https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/mtcr. Accessed 25 April 2023
U.S. Department of State, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.state.gov/remarks-and-releases-bureau-of-international-security-and-nonproliferation/missile-technology-control-regime-mtcr-frequently-asked-questions/. Accessed 8 May 2023
Missile Technology Control Regime, MTCR Annex. https://mtcr.info/mtcr-annex/. Accessed 25 April 2023
Aubin Y, Idiart A (2007) Export control law and regulation handbook, 3rd edn. Kluwer Law International, p 52
Michael C (2012) Mineiro, Space technology export controls and international cooperation in outer space. Space Regul Libr 6:23. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-2567-6
Cupitt R, Grillot S (1997) COCOM is dead, long live COCOM: persistence and change in multilateral security institutions. Br J Polit Sci 27:364
Jaffer J (2002) Strengthening the Wassenaar Export Control Regime’. Chic J Int Law 3:519
Kornblum AN (1985) Intelligence and the law: cases and materials, defense intelligence college. https://catalog.library.vanderbilt.edu/discovery/fulldisplay/alma991005210289703276/01VAN_INST:vanui
Rahul Awati, ITAR and EAR compliance. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/ITAR-and-EAR-compliance. Accessed 24 April 2023
Land J, Hall D (2008) Overview of the U.S export administration regulations. Whittier L Rev. 305:307–308
Alison J. Stafford Powell, Meghan Hamilton and Taylor Parker, US Government Imposes New Sanctions, Export Controls, and Tariffs Targeting Russia and Belarus to Mark One-Year Anniversary (February 25, 2023). https://sanctionsnews.bakermckenzie.com/us-government-imposes-new-sanctions-export-controls-and-tariffs-targeting-russia-and-belarus-to-mark-one-year-anniversary/. Accessed 26 April 2023
European Union Export Controls, Jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice in the area of dual-use goods established that the rules restricting the exports of these goods to third countries fall within the scope of the common commercial policy, as set out in Article 133 of the EC Treaty. https://ecustoms.com/about-us/visual_trade_compliance_resources/eu_export_controls/. Accessed 26 April 2023
Baruzzi S (2020) China’s export control law explained (November 9, 2020). https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-export-control-law-explainer-china-briefing-news/. Accessed 8 May 2023
Laws of the People’s Republic of China, Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and Missile-related Items and Technologies, http://www.asianlii.org/cn/legis/cen/laws/roecomamiat805/. Accessed 8 May 2023
State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Arms Export, Article 1. https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_663304/zzjg_663340/jks_665232/jkxw_665234/200312/t20031203_599082.html. Accessed 9 May 2023
State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of Arms Export, Article 5, Article 2(2). https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjb_663304/zzjg_663340/jks_665232/jkxw_665234/200312/t20031203_599082.html. Accessed 9 May 2023
Laws of the People’s Republic of China, Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and Missile-related Items and Technologies. http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/chinaandun/disarmament_armscontrol/qtxx/200208/t20020825_8412426.htm. Accessed 8 May 2023
Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and Missile-related Items and Technologies (August 25, 2002). http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/chinaandun/disarmament_armscontrol/qtxx/200208/t20020825_8412426.htm. Accessed 10 May 2023
Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and Missile-related Items and Technologies, Article 3. (August 25, 2002). http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/chinaandun/disarmament_armscontrol/qtxx/200208/t20020825_8412426.htm. Accessed 10 May 2023
Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and Missile-related Items and Technologies, Article 2.(August 25, 2002). http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/chinaandun/disarmament_armscontrol/qtxx/200208/t20020825_8412426.htm. Accessed 10 May 2023
Laws of the People’s Republic of China, Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and Missile-related Items and Technologies. http://www.asianlii.org/cn/legis/cen/laws/roecomamiat805/. Accessed 10 May 2023
Zhao Y, Bian Y (2011) Export control regime for space items in China: opportunities and challenges in the new era. Space Policy 27:110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2011.04.009
The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China, China’s Export Controls. (First Edition, December 2021) https://english.www.gov.cn/archive/whitepaper/202112/29/content_WS61cc01b8c6d09c94e48a2df0.html. Accessed 8 May 2023
Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China, Article 2. http://www.npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/c23934/202112/63aff482fece44a591b45810fa2c25c4.shtml. Accessed 8 May 2023
Xinhua (2023) China continues to enhance export control compliance. (February 24, 2023). http://english.scio.gov.cn/m/chinavoices/2023-02/24/content_85126120.htm. Accessed 8 May 2023
The Wassenaar Arrangement on Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and Technologies, List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies and Munitions List (December 1 2022). https://www.wassenaar.org/. Accessed 27 April 2023
Tuzhi H (2021) Artificial Intelligence Weekly Issue 134. https://www.yunzhan365.com/68880284.html. Accessed 8 May 2023
Braun F (2001) Brazilian Congress Criticizes Bilateral Agreement with U.S. Space News, p 28
Qureshi AH (2022) The Americanization of the world trade order, 1st edn. Routledge Press, p 1. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003047575
Ellzey CH (2020) Promoting globalization in space policy: look at United States export controls. J Space Law 44:297
Mineiro MC (2011) An inconvenient regulatory truth: Divergence in U.S. and EU satellite export control policies on China. Space Policy 27:216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spacepol.2011.09.009
Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (2020) The full text of the Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China. http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/zwgk/zcfb/202010/20201003008925.shtml. Accessed 8 May 2023
Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China, Article 6. http://www.npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/c23934/202112/63aff482fece44a591b45810fa2c25c4.shtml. Accessed 8 May 2023
The Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China, China’s Export Controls (December 29, 2021). http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/2021-12/29/content_5665104.htm. Accessed 9 May 2023
International Compliance Blog (2022) China’s First White Paper on Export Controls Summarizes Legal Developments, Opposes “Abuse” of Export Controls. https://www.steptoeinternationalcomplianceblog.com/2022/01/chinas-first-white-paper-on-export-controls-summarizes-legal-developments-opposes-abuse-of-export-controls/. Accessed 27 April 2023
Fieldfisher (2022) China’s Export Controls White Paper, https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/insights/china-s-export-controls-white-paper. Accessed 28 April 2023
Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China. http://www.npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/c23934/202112/63aff482fece44a591b45810fa2c25c4.shtml. Accessed 8 May 2023
Federal Register, Revisions and Clarification of Export and Reexport Controls for the People’s Republic of China (PRC); New Authorization Validated End-User; Revision of Import Certificate and PRC End-User Statement Requirements (June 19, 2007). https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2007/06/19/E7-11588/revisions-and-clarification-of-export-and-reexport-controls-for-the-peoples-republic-of-china-prc. Accessed 9 May 2023
Gibson Dunn, China’s New Draft Export Control Law and Its Implications for International Trade (August 31, 2020). https://www.gibsondunn.com/china-new-draft-export-control-law-and-its-implications-for-international-trade/. Accessed 28 April 2023
Trust Law Search (2020) After the implementation of the Export Control Law, five major problems still need to be discussed. https://myingda.wkinfo.com.cn/professional-articles/detail/NjAwMDAwOTExMjU%3D. Accessed 9 May 2023
Global Times, GT Voice: C919 exemplifies China’s high-end manufacturing (February 26, 2023). https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202302/1286245.shtml. Accessed 6 May 2023
Jie F, Jian W, Ming G, Hui Li, Jie D (2022) Analysis and enlightenment of the control list of the wassenaar arrangement. Sci Technol Manag Res 19:42. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-7695.2022.19.004
The National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, the draft export control law is open for comments on the Chinese website (2019). http://www.npc.gov.cn/npc/c30834/201912/3796f48066a440169f917a5a81c3cae5.shtml. Accessed 8 May 2023
The National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Draft Law for Comments. http://www.npc.gov.cn/flcaw/more.html. Accessed 9 May 2023
Lun Z (2022) Yearly review: China’s enforcement of the export control law. https://www.zhonglun.com/Content/2022/01-26/1553315363.html. Accessed 2 May 2023
Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Ministry of Commerce Announcement No. 10 of 2021 “Guiding Opinions of the Ministry of Commerce on Establishing an Internal Compliance Mechanism for Export Control by Export Operators of Dual-use Items” (April 28, 2021) http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/article/zwgk/zcfb/202104/20210403056267.shtml. Accessed 9 May 2023
Morris MG (2006) The executive role in culturing export control compliance. Mich Law Rev 104:1785–1802
Export Control Law of the People’s Republic of China, Article 2, paragraph 2. https://www.fangdalaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/China%E2%80%99s-New-Export-Control-Law-Ten-Highlights.pdf. Accessed 8 May 2023
Bureau of industry and security, rules affecting the export administration regulations (2023). https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/federal-register-notices. Accessed 9 May 2023
European Commission, EU-China agreement. https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/china_en. Accessed 15 June 2023
The Hill (2020) America and Europe will lose to China in transatlantic trade war. https://thehill.com/opinion/international/480942-america-and-europe-will-lose-to-china-in-transatlantic-trade-war/. Accessed 6 April 2023
RUSSIAN NEWS AGENCY (2022) Russia, China ink space cooperation deal to 2027. https://tass.com/science/1557333?ysclid=lew6y861kj854858315. Accessed 6 April 2023
Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Adhere to fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory export controls (March 17, 2022). http://exportcontrol.mofcom.gov.cn/article/zjsj/202203/618.html. Accessed 9 May 2023
Arms Control Association, The Missile Technology Control Regime at a Glance. https://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/mtcr. Accessed 3 May 2023
Funding
This paper is the result of a research project financed by China National Office for Philosophy and Social Sciences (Serial No. 21CFX088).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Contributions
The three authors have made equal contributions to this article.
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships, which may be considered potential competing interests: this article results from a research project financed by China National Office for Philosophy and Social Sciences (Serial No. 21CFX088).
Ethical approval
Not applicable.
Informed consent
Not applicable.
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Long, J., Zheng, J. & Zhou, Y. Legal and Policy Issues of Export Control in Commercial Space Internationalisation and China’s Response. Adv. Astronaut. Sci. Technol. 6, 23–34 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42423-023-00139-7
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42423-023-00139-7