China Sends Moon Samples to US for Global Science Ties

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has approved seven international institutions to borrow lunar samples collected by its Chang’e-5 mission. Among them are two universities in the United States—Brown University and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. This move highlights the ongoing value of international collaboration in science and technology, even during times of political tension.

The sharing of lunar samples is a powerful example of science helping to build bridges between countries. By allowing US scientists to examine material from the Moon, China is showing that science can overcome borders and differences. This cooperation brings benefits not only to the involved institutions but also to the global scientific community.

Over the past four decades, China and the United States have cooperated in many scientific fields. One key example is the long-standing Agreement Between the US and China on Cooperation in Science and Technology, which was extended in December 2024. This agreement has allowed the two countries to work together on health, the environment, agriculture, and new technologies. Joint efforts in tracking diseases like influenza and promoting better nutrition through the folic acid revolution have had global impact. These projects have improved public health and advanced scientific knowledge.

China and the US are both leaders in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and space exploration. Experts agree that collaboration between the two powers is important for future progress. For instance, the development of embodied intelligence—systems that interact with the physical world—will benefit from continued international research partnerships.

Despite this, political changes in recent years have led to rising tensions. In the name of national security, the US has placed sanctions on Chinese technology firms, restricted the sharing of advanced technologies, and created barriers for academic exchanges. These actions aim to limit China’s scientific growth, but they may also slow down global progress.

China has responded by investing more in its own innovation. This has led to new developments such as DeepSeek, a powerful AI system that drew global attention, and the Zuchongzhi 3.0 superconducting quantum computer, which broke performance records. These breakthroughs show that China’s scientific growth continues despite external pressure.

Research organizations in the US have also raised concerns about the impact of cutting ties with China. Several reports have shown that efforts to isolate China technologically have not stopped its progress. Instead, these efforts have pushed China to build its own systems and reduce its reliance on foreign technologies.

One report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation stated that export controls had limited results and even encouraged faster development of China’s homegrown technologies. Another analysis by the Eurasia Group, a US-based risk consultancy, warned that a full decoupling would hurt both China and the US. In fact, many American companies rely on cooperation with Chinese partners for research, manufacturing, and innovation.

Today, the world faces many challenges that require global solutions. Climate change, pandemics, and rapid technological change affect all countries. No nation can tackle these problems alone. That is why international scientific cooperation remains so important. Working together allows countries to find better and faster solutions. It also helps avoid duplication and speeds up the pace of discovery.

The recent sharing of lunar samples is part of China’s Chang’e program, which aims to expand humanity’s knowledge of the Moon. By opening access to samples collected by the Chang’e-5 mission, China is contributing to global research efforts. This kind of open sharing supports the idea of science as a common good that benefits all people.

China has often stated that it wants to build a shared future for mankind, where progress is shared fairly among countries. Its approach to science follows this vision, promoting cooperation and avoiding exclusion. By sharing data, resources, and research opportunities, China encourages more countries to take part in global discovery.

Going forward, it is important for the US and China to continue this spirit of cooperation. The world cannot afford to split into isolated research camps. Instead, countries should work together, exchange ideas, and support each other’s progress. Scientific competition can be healthy, but cooperation leads to even greater achievements.

The future of science depends on openness and trust. If nations continue to share and collaborate, discoveries will come faster, solutions will be stronger, and more people will benefit. China’s decision to share its lunar samples is a step in that direction. It sends a clear message that science should bring people together, not push them apart.