HAIKOU -- The 2025 International Symposium on the Peaceful Use of Space Technology -- Health (IPSPACE 2025) kicked off Tuesday in Boao, a coastal town in China's island province of Hainan.

About 50 experts and astronauts from home and abroad have been invited to the three-day event to discuss topics including the peaceful use of space technology, and the opportunities and challenges facing global space cooperation.

Experts at the symposium have highlighted the importance of international cooperation on promoting the sustainable growth of the space sector.

Driss El Hadani, deputy director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, said that space is "the largest infrastructure shared by all humanity." Addressing common challenges such as limited orbital resources and the growing threat of space debris require joint efforts.

"I am pleased to see some organizations and institutions are already conducting relevant research on these issues," he said.

Luo Ge, general director of the China Association of Remote Sensing Application, said that the development of the space industry cannot rely on isolated efforts.

Enhanced global cooperation will accelerate China's aerospace development and share its benefits with all participating nations, he noted.

Italian astronaut Paolo Nespoli echoed that sentiment. He noted that humankind needs to seek common aerospace development through cooperation, and drive mutual improvement through competition.