China's Chang'e 6 spacecraft lands on far side of the moon to collect samples
NBCJUN 2024
China Lands Chang'e-6 Spacecraft on Moon's Far Side
Image copyright: Getty Images/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
This successful landing shows the PRC's engineering prowess in space exploration. This mission — China's most complex robotic lunar endeavor to date — will provide an unprecedented comparison between the dark, unexplored region and the better-known near side and also be a key milestone in China's push to become a dominant space power.
Anti-China narrative
A surge in missions to the moon is unfolding worldwide — a dangerous trend driven by the intent to dominate and monopolize the moon's resources for commercial purposes. China's growing space power, in particular, is a matter of grave concern, as Beijing may claim territoriality and leverage it to further its regional and domestic political and military interests.