IN FOCUS
By Harini Madhusudan

China’s Lunar Pursuit
Named after the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e or the Chinese Lunar Exploration Programme is the ongoing robotic missions to the Moon headed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). This programme has progressed through four main operational phases. The style of China’s missions ensures that each mission becomes a technology demonstration preparing for future projects.

Phase I
In phase one, they launched two lunar orbiters Chang’e 1 and Chang’e 2 which are now effectively complete. In 2007, Chang’e 1 flew to the moon in 12 days, with an aim to scan the entire moon in detail and generate a 3D map for reference of future soft landings. In 2010, Chang’e 2 reached the moon in five days and mapped the moon in greater detail. Chang’e 2 also went beyond the lunar orbit towards the Lagrangian point and completed a flyby of asteroid 4179 Toutatis. Orbital missions were the focus of phase one.

Phase II and III
Phase two focused on soft landers and rovers, Chang’e 3 and Chang’e 4 were built with an aim to incorporate spacecraft capable of soft-landing on the moon and deploying lunar rovers. In 2013, Chang’e 3 carried a lunar rover named Yutu for a 3-month mission to conduct ultra-violet observations. In 2018, Chang’e 4 was launched and it landed on the South Pole-Aitken Basin or the far side of the moon. It deployed a rover called Yutu-2. The next phase was to bring back samples from the moon. With this aim, the third phase launched two missions. In 2014, Chang’e 5-T1 was launched to test a lunar spacecraft capable of a return flight. In 2020, Chang’e 5 was launched and landed near Mons Rumker on the moon. The mission collected two kilograms of lunar soil and returned to earth.

Phase IV
Phase four includes the missions that the Chinese Lunar Exploration Programme is currently working on. Chang’e 6 is planned for 2024 and is expected to bring some more samples to earth while investigating the topography, subsurface structure of the South Pole Aitken Basin, and its composition. Chang’e 7, also expected to launch in 2024, would explore the south pole of the moon for resources. Chang’e 8, is planned for 2027 aims higher, and wants to explore the possibility of 3D printing and In-situ resource utilization to test-build a structure. It is expected to include a lander, rover, and flying detector and plans to text technology necessary for the future construction of lunar science base. Part of their long-term goals includes the possibility of building an outpost on the lunar south pole.

The Chinese lunar missions have been promising so far. The Chang’e 4 launched as a part of their phase two missions, completed 1000 days on the moon after its previous achievement of landing on the far side of the moon. The interest in the moon has re-emerged among the major space powers in the last decade. The moon holds potential for a lot of mineral resources as well as the possibility of hosting the visions of the commercial space sector. While the US is leading the game with private industry investments, in 2021, China and Russia announced their intention to build a lunar moon base together by 2035 and called it the International Lunar Research Station, with an open invitation for other countries to join them. The success of this research station would add a lot of value to lunar space investments. By 2017, China and Russia had signed an agreement to cooperate on their lunar and deep space explorations. The two countries cooperate on space electronics, joint spacecraft development, and possibly on human spaceflight. The Chinese and the Russians may succeed in setting the ball rolling for further research in space as the Russians did with the International Space Station.

References
(Andrew Jones, “China is working on a lander for human moon missions,” 9 August 2021, SpaceNews; “Future Chinese Lunar Missions,” NASA; “China and Russia have to build a lunar space station,” 10 March 2021, BBC; Andrew Jones, “1000 days on the Moon! China’s Chang’e 4 hits a new milestone,” 5 October 2021, Space.com)

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha and Avishka Ashok

INTERNAL
China nominates five Galwan valley soldiers for country’s ethical role models
On 5 November, five Chinese soldiers and officers, including the four martyrs from the Galwan valley clash were declared as the epitome of Chinese patriotism. The Chinese authorities commended them with highest Party honors - July 1 Medal and outstanding Party member of the country and also of the military. The decision was publicised on the first anniversary of the Galwan valley clash with India. Many Chinese citizens also expressed their gratitude and respect to the martyrs. Separate awards for all five officials were also declared by the Communist Party of China. Other than the five officials, there are some 300 other people from various fields, farming, research, professional, etc. as the ethical role models of China’s people. (“Galwan Valley heroes nominated China’s ethical role models, become epitome of Chinese people’s growing patriotic sentiments,” Global Times, 5 November 2021)

China opposes press freedom survey result from Hong Kong
On 5 November, The Korea Times published a report that cited a statement by the Commissioner's Office of China’s Foreign ministry in Hong Kong that criticised a recent survey published by FCC. The Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club covered a survey that showed 84 per cent journalists feel that the work environment has worsened and press freedom has deteriorated since June 2020 when the National Security Law was imposed in Hong Kong. ''There is no absolute press freedom in the world that is above the law,'' the statement read. ''It is a common international practice for countries to supervise the news media working in their own countries in accordance with the law.'' (“China lashes out at press freedom survey results,” The Korea Times, 5 November 2021)

Carrie Lam announces possibility of reopening borders
On 5 November, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR Carrie Lam announced possibilities of large-scale reopening of the city borders with mainland China. While attending the second Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area development forum, she revealed that the city was hoping to host large-scale events from February 2022. She said: ““Next year is also the 25th anniversary of the handover from British to Chinese rule, so I hope everyone here works together to create the environment for us to reopen borders with the mainland smoothly.” (“Hong Kong could see 'large-scale' reopening with mainland in February: Carrie Lam,” The Strait Times, 5 November 2021)

TECHNOLOGY
China launches world’s first Earth-science satellite as part of UN 2030 Agenda
On 5 November, China successfully launched the world's first Earth-science satellite, Guangmu, dedicated to the UN 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development. The satellite was launched by a Long March-6 rocket on the 5oth anniversary of restoration of lawful rights of China in the UN. The satellite is developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It will be used to carry out precise analysis of energy consumption, habitat patterns, and other indicators of sustainable development. The satellite is said to be a milestone in technological advances for the sustainable development of the world. (Fan Anqi, “China launches world's first Earth-science satellite dedicated to UN 2030 Agenda,” Global Times, 5 november 2021)

REGIONAL
Taiwan seen as gaining engagements with Europe amid pressure from Beijing
On 5 November, The Straits Times published an article on the two unprecedented trips that a delegation from Taiwan made in Europe last week. These trips were not officially disclosed earlier and were part of impromptu programs. Further, an official delegation from the European Parliament visited Taiwan for the first time. The moves are seen as an attempt by Taiwan to engage more with Europe and gain its support in the most crucial and highly tense situations with China. President Tsai Ing-wen also indicated in a statement that these meetings are signs to show how important Taiwanese democracy is for the European citizens. (Katherine Wei, “Taiwan seeks to engage Europe amid tensions with Beijing,” The Straits Times, 5 November 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
Ministry of Defence opposes report by US Department of Defence
On 5 November, Ministry of National Defense spokesman Wu Qian expressed strong opposition to a report released by the US Department of Defence. The report targeted military development in China. Wu referred to the report and explained that the report was biased and was not fact based. He said: “The report fabricated the so-called "Chinese military threat", made groundless accusations against China's nuclear capacity building, and interfered in China's internal affairs involving Taiwan and other issues.” He further explained that the Chinese military was aimed at protecting its people and Chinese sovereignty. (“China firmly opposes U.S. report on its military development: defense spokesman,” Xinhua Net, 6 November 2021)

New Zealand Prime Minister’s statement on trade with China and human rights issues
On 6 November, South China Morning Post highlighted New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s comment on balancing trade with China while dealing with issues of human rights violation. In an interview, Prime Minister Ardern said: “New Zealand will not shy away from criticising China’s human rights record to protect its lucrative trade relationship with Beijing.” She rejected claims that the heightened trade relations with China were impacting New Zealand’s capability of speaking up against violations. He further stated: “It is very important to us that we maintain integrity in the way that we conduct our diplomatic relationships.” (“New Zealand’s PM Ardern says trade with China won’t trump rights concerns,” Xinhua Net, 6 November 2021)