The US Space Resource Exploration and Utilization Act 2015 aroused heated discussions. The international community has not yet reached consensus on the application of the concept of “common heritage of mankind” in the Moon Agreement. In accordance with the non-appropriation principle in the Outer Space Treaty, outer space is not subject to national appropriation. However, there is a need to balance the common interests of the international society and the interests of the States and private entities which invest heavily in the space resource exploration. The unilateral approach of the US by adopting a national law is not an ideal way to deal with space resource exploration. As a major space-faring nation, China should take a proactive approach in both national legislation and international cooperation in this field. At the international level, China should consider establishing an appropriate international regime for space resource management.

China has made great achievements in space activities in recent years. While emphasizing the principle of self-independence, China also acknowledges the importance of space cooperation. As early as 2001, China indicated its interest in joining the International Space Station. However, no substantive progress has been made concerning China’s participation thus far. This may be a result of political and economic, rather than legal and technical, considerations. There is no doubt that China’s participation shall contribute to the sustainable development of the ISS. China’s participation could also offer an excellent opportunity to reexamine the 1998 framework and clarify or improve certain provisions that exist in the current regime. While technologically ready for participation, China should start considering possible legal issues that may arise from its participation in the ISS project. This article takes up the challenging task of identifying potential legal issues that may arise in the course of China’s participation in the ISS and offers suggestions for a future cooperative legal framework regarding the ISS.

International cooperation in outer space affairs has always been considered vital to the development of space activities. Such cooperation happens in different levels and different areas. Regional cooperation is especially meaningful to the regions concerned. We have witnessed important developments of space cooperation in Asia in the last few years. However, the cooperation so far is largely limited to technological aspects. We urgently need to see the cooperation in promoting awareness of space law in this region. This article proposes that the establishment of the Asia-Pacific Space Law Center, modeling on the European Center for Space Law, could fill the gap and play an important role in the promotion and education of space law in Asia. Nevertheless, in view of the current situation in the region, we may need to adopt the second best approach, that is, to establish a section within the Asia- Pacific Space Cooperation Organization solely dealing with promoting regional cooperation for space law.