AFP:

U.S. laws prohibit space cooperation with China. What are your comments and views on this? Will American scientists participate in the research of the new lunar samples collected by Chang'e-6? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

Thank you for your questions. China has always maintained an open mind regarding aerospace exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. We have previously established working groups for space cooperation in earth and space sciences with the U.S., and we have also once established a civil space dialogue mechanism with the U.S. government. At the request of the U.S., we also created an exchange mechanism for orbital data of Mars rovers, so that the two countries could jointly assess collision risks and ensure the smooth and sustained progress of both sides' Mars exploration programs. However, U.S. domestic laws, such as the Wolf Amendment, have become obstacles impeding aerospace cooperation between the two countries.

Over six decades of space endeavors, China has made great achievements in this area, and all these accomplishments are the result of the hard work and wisdom of the Chinese people. While the Wolf Amendment has hindered normal Sino-U.S. aerospace exchanges, it cannot impede the rapid progress of China's space development.

As for your question, I believe that U.S. scientists are willing to participate in the study of the new lunar samples. If the U.S. genuinely wants to engage in normal space exchanges with China, it should take concrete measures to remove the obstacles.

In the future, China will advance its space plan at its own pace and for peaceful purposes, while maintaining an open-minded and inclusive attitude to embrace equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. Thank you.