The US space agency NASA has banned Chinese citizens from its prestigious research centers. This decision has been taken keeping in mind security, due to which Chinese scientists and students are not able to reach NASA facilities, content and network. This step has come amid growing space competition between the US and China.

New ban on Chinese citizens
NASA said on 5 September that Chinese citizens who have legitimate visas of America were completely denied NASA system and facilities. These people could only work in NASA as a contractor or a student who contributed to research. NASA confirmed that the step has been taken to “ensure the safety of our work”.

Stress increased due to space competition
China’s rapidly growing space plan is worrying America. Already Chinese astronauts are deprived of the International Space Station (ISS), as the US has prevented NASA from sharing data with China. The new ban will also affect scientific cooperation between the two countries.

Charges of visa and espionage
Recently, many Chinese citizens in America have also been accused of espionage. Especially it has become difficult for students studying in science and technology to get visas and enter America. Some Chinese citizens were also suddenly denied participation in NASA’s data system and meetings.

Official statement of NASA
NASA’s press secretary Bethany Stevens said that “we have taken internal action related to Chinese citizens, including restricting physical and cyber security access to our facilities.” NASA executive administrator Sean Dafi said, “We are currently in the second space race. Chinese want to stop us from going to the moon first. It will not be allowed to happen.”

China’s response
The technical director of China’s manned space agency said last year said that American concern is “unnecessary” and Chinese space exploration is the collective mission of humanity. In the US Senate, lawmaker Chandra Abhiyan has also insisted on the need to transport the US before China.

Competition for resources on the moon
This race is not only to reach the moon, but also to control the resources there. The moon contains minerals such as iron, titanium, rare earth metals and helium, which are used in superconductor and medical devices.