In a surprise -to -move move – and perhaps marking cowardly re -enacting scientific level – the China announced that he would allow six countries, including United Statesstudy the lunar samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission in 2020.

In particular, according to the Bbctwo US research institutions, funded by Nasaare among those who will have access to rare samples, according to her announcement Chinese Space Service (CNSA).

The leader of CNSA, Like zongdhe described the samples as a “common treasure of humanity”, as Chinese media reported.

NASA is forbidden to work with China – but science finds way

It is noteworthy that Chinese scientists do not have access to NASA samples to date from missions Apollodue to legal restrictions. Specifically, in accordance with the law of 2011NASA is prohibited from working with Chinese organizations without explicit approval of Congress.

However, as the John Logsdonformer director of Space Policy Institute of George Washington University“The exchange of lunar samples has no political background”. “There is nothing strategically or militarily critical to this – it is international cooperation in science, as is customary,” he said.

On a stretched rope the bilateral relationships – in science, but, lower gravity

This cooperation is carried out in the midst of a prolonged trade warwhere the US has imposed duties up to 245% in Chinese products And China has responded with up to 125% to US duties.

The US President Donald Trump He had left a margin of divergent, but Beijing has denied that there were negotiations.

Despite the tensions, in 2023 CNSA called on scientists from around the world to apply for its samples study CHANG’E-5. In addition to US universities Brown and Stony Brookalso approved research centers by France, Germany, Japanthe Pakistan and United Kingdom.

Nasa moon

Samples … Newer than Apollo?

The scientific interest in China’s lunar specimens is huge. According to the Dr. Logsdonit seems to be a billion years younger than the samples brought by Apollo missions – something that could completely change what we know about the geological history of the moon and the duration of its volcanic activity.

Although there have been informal talks between US and Chinese officials on exchanging samples, it seems that the deal has not proceeded – so far.

China declares ‘open’ in space

THE Like zongd He said that China will continue to maintain a “active and open stance” in international cooperation to explore space, including “Spacecraft»As part of the initiative”A zone – a road“

“I believe that the circle of China’s friends in space will continue to grow,” he said.