U.S. space agency NASA has blocked Chinese citizens with valid U.S. visas from its facilities—a move that effectively restricts them from working at one of the most respected space research centers in the world.
On September 5, Chinese nationals learned they had lost all access to NASA's systems and facilities. NASA confirmed this restriction, stating that it was necessary to protect the security of their work.
The heightened tensions come as China's space program rapidly advances, alarming the U.S. The two nations are caught in a new space race, with both aiming to solidify their technological superiority.
Chinese astronauts are already excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) due to U.S. policies against data sharing with China. The recent actions by NASA signal an ongoing decline in scientific cooperation, driven by national security concerns.
The suspicion has made it increasingly difficult for Chinese students, especially in science and technology, to secure entry into the U.S. for studies or work. There have been recent cases of alleged espionage involving Chinese nationals in the U.S., particularly scientists being scrutinized.
While it remains unclear how much notice NASA provided to the affected Chinese nationals, reports indicate they were suddenly cut off from accessing digital systems and barred from participating in related meetings.
NASA's press secretary confirmed the agency's internal actions regarding Chinese nationals, emphasizing the restrictions on physical and cybersecurity access.
China's ambitions in space are well-known, as both countries vie to send crews to the moon. NASA officials have publicly stated, 'We're in a second space race right now,' stating intent to outpace China's lunar goals.
Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have reiterated the urgency for America to establish a strong presence on the moon before China, citing the importance of controlling lunar resources.
