Despite all this, however, I welcome China's attempt to go to the moon. It can only bring about good things. Cooperation would be wonderful. As I mentioned, this is a publicity stunt for China. Better said, an attempt to earn respect.
China has one fifth the world's population, but like India, very little place in world affairs.
China has campaigned vigorously for a place in the World Trade Organization, and that is still facing US congressional approval. China is now an outsider. Building ties with the Chinese will make them less mistrustful of the West, and more open to change. But even a space race would be good. Work is starting on standards for an interplanetary Internet .