Toward a global STC system in the era of large constellations: Governance gaps and China's emerging approach

The rapid diversification of space actors and proliferation of LEO large constellations have intensified orbital congestion and conjunction risks. This paper argues that voluntary Space Traffic Coordination (STC) is insufficient as a standalone governance mechanism. In the absence of right of way rules, cost-sharing arrangements for collision-avoidance maneuvers, and institutionally supported SSA information-sharing frameworks, voluntary coordination cannot sustain stable orbital order under conditions of large-scale commercial proliferation. The paper examines China's emerging legal and policy approach to STC and assesses both its domestic governance significance and its implications for global norm development. The analysis shows that although China lacks a dedicated STC policy, recent regulatory developments indicate that a domestic governance structure is actively taking shape. China's emerging tiered data-governance approach and active participation in international standard-setting position it as a potentially constructive contributor to global STC governance.