NASA Spokesperson: "Measures Taken to Ensure Work Safety"
U.S. and China Plan Crewed Lunar Missions Within Five Years
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has completely blocked facility and network access for Chinese nationals holding U.S. visas. This move is seen as an effort to curb China's rise in space and advanced technology sectors.
Bloomberg News reported on the 10th (local time), citing sources, that NASA recently implemented measures restricting participation by Chinese nationals in its programs. While NASA had previously imposed some restrictions on hiring Chinese nationals, those with U.S. visas were still able to participate in NASA programs as external researchers, including as contract workers, university students, or university-affiliated researchers.
However, as of the 5th, such collaborations have been effectively suspended. Chinese researchers can no longer access NASA's data systems and are also barred from participating in work-related meetings.
Bethany Stevens, a NASA spokesperson, stated, "NASA has implemented internal measures related to Chinese nationals, such as restricting physical and cyber security access to facilities, materials, and networks, to ensure the safety of our work."
This is interpreted as an effort by the United States to reach the Moon before China and to secure substantial influence in space. Both the United States and China are planning to launch manned lunar missions within the next five years. NASA is aiming for a lunar landing in 2027, while China has set a goal of sending astronauts to the Moon by 2030.
Sean Duffy, Acting Administrator of NASA and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, emphasized in a recent online press conference, "We are now facing a second space race," adding, "China is trying to return to the Moon before the United States, but that will not happen." He further stated, "The United States has led in space in the past and will continue to do so in the future."
There is also a consensus within the U.S. Congress that the United States must reach the Moon before China. At a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing held last week, lawmakers from both parties spoke in unison, saying, "We must stay ahead of China." As competition for supremacy in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence intensifies, the two countries are also vying for leadership in space.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported, "This measure comes as the U.S. House of Representatives is moving to revive the Justice Department's 'China Initiative.'" The program, introduced in 2018, was abolished in 2022 amid controversy over racially discriminatory investigations and excessive prosecutions. However, the House has called its abolition "an irresponsible decision" and is pushing for its reinstatement.
For years, the U.S. Congress has restricted U.S.-China scientific and technological cooperation. NASA's budget has repeatedly included provisions banning official invitations to Chinese visitors and prohibiting cooperation with China and Chinese state-owned enterprises. Last week, the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party also released a report highlighting that the Department of Defense is funding projects at universities and research institutes linked to China's defense industry.
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