The US space agency NASA has blocked Chinese citizens with valid US visas from its facilities — a move that effectively bars them from working at one of the most respected space research centers.
Chinese nationals, who could only work at NASA as contractors or students contributing to research, found out on September 5 that they had lost all access to NASA's systems and facilities, Bloomberg news reported, citing sources.
NASA then confirmed this, stating that Chinese nationals would be restricted from using the agency's facilities, materials, and networks to ensure the security of our work.
China's accelerated space program has alarmed the US and intensified the race between the two largest economies.
Chinese astronauts have already been excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) due to Washington's ban on NASA sharing data with China.
This latest move from NASA adds to the decline in scientific collaboration between the two nations over national security concerns.
As they compete for technological dominance, Beijing and Washington have grown increasingly wary of one another.
The suspicion has also complicated the situation for some Chinese students studying science and technology, making it more challenging for them to obtain visas or enter the US.
The US has seen various allegations of espionage involving Chinese nationals, especially scientists.
It remains unclear how much notice NASA gave to Chinese nationals previously working at the agency. Bloomberg reported that they suddenly discovered they were denied access to the agency's data systems and barred from participating in their work-related meetings, both in-person and virtual.
NASA's press secretary, Bethany Stevens, confirmed to news outlets that the agency took internal action pertaining to Chinese nationals — including restricting physical and cybersecurity access to our facilities.
China has openly voiced its space ambitions, with both nations competing for moon expeditions.
We're in a second space race right now, said Sean Duffy, NASA's acting administrator, during a press conference discussing US discoveries on Mars. The Chinese want to get back to the moon before us. That's not going to happen.
The Chinese government has characterized its space exploration efforts as a collective mission for humanity.
During a recent US Senate hearing, lawmakers emphasized the necessity for the US to return to the moon ahead of China, with Republican Senator Ted Cruz stressing the implications of adversaries attaining dominant space capabilities.
The competition extends beyond lunar exploration, as both nations vie for control over the Moon's resources, including rare earth elements, metals, and helium.
