NASA Logo. AP News. 

The United States, which is currently engaged in a moon exploration race with China, has begun to prohibit Chinese nationals from participating in NASA programs, Bloomberg reported on the 10th (local time).

Citing sources, Bloomberg reported that NASA recently implemented measures to block Chinese nationals holding U.S. visas from participating in NASA programs.

While NASA generally maintains some restrictions on the hiring of Chinese nationals, those holding U.S. visas have previously been able to participate in NASA programs as contract employees, graduate students, or researchers affiliated with universities.

However, NASA sources stated that as of the 5th, Chinese nationals who have been working with NASA have had their access to the agency's data systems blocked and are now prohibited from attending work-related meetings (both in-person and virtual).

According to Bloomberg, NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens confirmed the measure, stating, "NASA has taken internal measures regarding Chinese nationals to ensure the security of our work, including restricting physical and cyber access to facilities, data, and networks."

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who is also serving as acting NASA administrator, said in an online press conference last week, "We are currently facing a second space race," adding, "China intends to return to the moon before us, but that will not happen."

He emphasized, "The United States has led the way in space in the past and will continue to do so in the future."

According to media outlets in the Greater China region, China successfully completed landing and takeoff verification tests for its self-developed lunar lander, Lanyue, in early last month and is pursuing the goal of landing Chinese nationals on the moon by 2030.

Yonhap News