China has approved international loan applications for moon samples collected by its Chang’e-5 mission. Seven universities from six countries, including Brown University and Stony Brook University (both receiving NASA funding), will receive samples. This announcement follows U.S.-China trade tensions and restrictions on space cooperation, yet reflects China’s broader strategy of international partnerships in space.
The decision comes amidst the “Wolf Amendment,” which significantly restricts NASA's cooperation with Chinese entities. NASA's participation required special permission and security checks. Analyses of the Chang’e-5 samples have already yielded significant discoveries, including a new mineral, Changesite-(Y).
Furthermore, China's Chang’e-6 mission, which collected samples from the lunar far side, also has implications for future international collaboration. While currently limited to Chinese institutions, international access is anticipated later. China's Chang’e-8 lunar south pole landing mission and Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission are also open to international participation, furthering cooperation in space exploration.