China Accuses US of Interfering in Global Space Partnerships Amid Lunar Race

China has accused Washington of hampering its international cooperation in space missions. In strong criticism, the chief designer of China’s space exploration programme Wu Weiren indicated that Washington had meddled in Beijing’s efforts to make international alliances for space expeditions. He mentioned the narrow geography of China’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) campaign as a testimonial.

As for that, the US-dominated Artemis Accords keep engaging broad-based subscription. The charges mirror an increasing competition not only on Earth, but on the Moon—and maybe even beyond.

China’s ILRS Struggles for Partners Amid US Pressure

Wu Weiren asserted that the ILRS programme, a Russia-China moon base project scheduled for 2035, has 17 members. But this remains far behind the 50-plus states backing the US-led Artemis Accords. Wu attributed this to US interference, particularly in Europe. He provided no specific examples but stated the trend of disruption was uniform.

Wu asserted that China is still dedicated to “open space diplomacy.” He asserted that the ILRS is the only big lunar project that provides “equal opportunities” to all countries. Pakistan, Thailand, France, and Italy have already launched payloads on board China’s lunar missions.

China’s program is open to active participation by any country willing to contribute, according to Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization’s Hernan Merino Choque.

Russia, Pakistan, and the ‘South-South’ Space Bloc

China has made further space cooperation with Russia, particularly for lunar-based nuclear power in the future. It is also scheduled to launch a Pakistani astronaut on its Tiangong space station in a year’s time, which would be the first instance of a foreign citizen being aboard the Chinese facility.

These developments reflect Beijing’s initiative to form a “South-South” space partnership, calling on developing nations excluded from US-dominated schemes.

US Laws and Europe’s Distance from China

The Wolf Amendment of 2011, enacted by the US, prohibits NASA from cooperating with China. This act still restrains US-China space engagement. At the same time, the European Space Agency (ESA) severed its ties with the ILRS primarily because of Russia’s involvement following its invasion of Ukraine.

ESA launched a payload on board Chang’e-6 but won’t be part of subsequent Chinese lunar missions such as Chang’e-7 and 8. It also canceled sending astronauts to China’s space station. A new space bipolarity is emerging.

While the US consolidates a wide coalition through Artemis, China builds a smaller but ideologically open network. This split could shape the next decades of space governance. If political distrust continues, future space treaties may reflect the same global divides we see on Earth.