Looks like the Chinese won’t be our rivals for the Moon, after all, despite the hopes of some for a renewed “space race”.
Maybe we could just sell them the station and kill three birds with one stone: get out from under ISS, removing the need to continue Shuttle operations; discontinue Shuttle operations now, rather than 2010; and handicap potential future space competition from China by removing the need for it to develop from within space capabilities comparable to our own.
Tom, reading the story very carefully, I’ve concluded that the quote does not support the conclusion Reuters makes. All the Chinese gentleman was saying is that the lunar orbiter to be launched in 2006 will not land a man on the Moon. There’s nothing about “cancelling” a man to the Moon program that (officially at least) does not yet exist.
Anyone who understands space policy and trends already knew China wouldn’t be able to pull off a crewed lunar mission. A Salyut-style space station appears more reasonable.
Besides which, a space race is not likely to emerge like that of the Cold War, nor is that desirable.