Abstract

The principle of common heritage of mankind embodies the requirement of developing countries for the distribution of ownership of world resources (including outer space) that cannot be seized by some countries. The allocation of ownership under the principle of common heritage of mankind contributes to the equitable distribution and use of the world's resources across countries and generations. The principle of common heritage of mankind is essentially the ownership of resources. Facing the increasingly frequent activities in outer space as such, however, there is no chance for international laws to play their role in regulating those activities. The contracting system adopted in the early stage of China's reform and opening up could be used for tackling the dilemma faced by the utilization of outer space resources and the distribution of benefits.

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