# Zhou Yaqiang, a senior engineer at the China Manned Space Agency, told reporters that the process of “combining experiences and expertise” from the various missions was “progressing smoothly”

*aerospace · news · 2026-05-24 · South China Morning Post*

## Key points

- China's crewed lunar program is proceeding under an established, uninterrupted plan despite global competition.
- Zhou Yaqiang confirmed the integration of learnings from previous missions is advancing smoothly.
- China officially positions its moon mission as dedicated solely to peaceful space exploration.
- Chinese officials assert their lunar mission is unaffected by international rivalry, specifically with the US.

**Countries:** China, United States

[Read the full story on South China Morning Post](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3354681/china-merges-lunar-programmes-race-moon-us-heats-after-latest-spacex-launch)

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