In a rare move signaling scientific openness amid geopolitical rivalry, China has granted researchers from six countries—including the United States—access to lunar samples collected during its Chang’e-5 mission. This gesture comes despite persistent trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Thursday that two U.S. institutions, both funded by NASA, will be allowed to study the Moon rocks retrieved in 2020. The decision marks a noteworthy step in scientific cooperation between the two space powers, even as political and trade frictions continue to run high.

CNSA chief Shan Zhongde emphasized the spirit of international collaboration, stating that the lunar samples are "a shared treasure for all humanity," according to Chinese state media.

However, the gesture highlights a stark contrast in bilateral space relations. While Chinese researchers now have limited access to NASA-funded lunar studies, American legislation has long restricted NASA from collaborating with China. Under a 2011 law passed by U.S. lawmakers, NASA is banned from engaging in joint projects with China or any Chinese-affiliated companies without explicit approval from Congress.

Despite these restrictions, John Logsdon, former director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, told BBC Newshour that the sharing of lunar samples was largely non-political. He explained that while there are strict controls on the exchange of space technology, the study of Moon rocks carries "nothing of military significance." Logsdon described the collaboration as a standard example of global scientific cooperation, saying, “It’s international cooperation in science, which is the norm.”

The move comes amid a fierce trade war between the two countries. Washington has imposed tariffs as high as 245% on Chinese goods, while Beijing has retaliated with 125% tariffs on imports from the U.S. Although former President Donald Trump hinted at possible de-escalation in the trade conflict, Chinese officials have denied that any negotiations are currently underway.

In 2023, the CNSA issued an open call for international proposals to study the Chang’e-5 lunar samples. These samples are of particular interest to the scientific community because they are believed to be around a billion years younger than those gathered during NASA’s Apollo missions. According to Dr. Logsdon, this suggests that volcanic activity on the Moon may have persisted far longer than previously assumed.

Although there had been earlier reports of potential negotiations between U.S. and Chinese space officials to exchange lunar samples, it appears that a formal deal was never reached.

In addition to Brown University and Stony Brook University in the U.S., institutions in France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom have also been granted access to the Chang’e-5 samples.

Shan Zhongde reaffirmed China’s commitment to international collaboration in space, noting the CNSA’s intent to “maintain an increasingly active and open stance” in global space research. He also referenced China’s ambition to promote cooperation through initiatives such as the Belt and Road’s space information corridor.

“I believe China’s circle of friends in space will continue to grow,” Shan added.