More than half a century after humans last set foot on the Moon, China is moving purposefully toward its own crewed lunar landing. On October 30, 2025, a spokesman for China’s crewed space programme announced the country was “on track” to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. The statement underscored what has become increasingly clear: China intends to be the next nation to walk on the lunar surface.

Among US lawmakers and space officials, Beijing’s accelerating progress has stirred unease. Some warn that if China lands first, it could damage America’s long-held prestige as a spacefaring superpower. NASA’s Artemis III mission, meant to return Americans to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972, is scheduled for 2027 — but delays could push it dangerously close to China’s time

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