NASA restricts Chinese nationals from space programs

NASA has barred Chinese nationals, including those holding valid U.S. visas, from its facilities and programs, cutting off access to research, internal networks and physical worksites. The restrictions, which took effect on Sept. 5, abruptly locked out researchers and contractors who had previously been cleared to contribute to NASA projects. The action comes as the U.S. pursues its Artemis lunar program while China accelerates plans for a crewed mission to the Moon by 2030.

NASA spokeswoman Bethany Stevens said the agency has taken “internal action pertaining to Chinese nationals including restricting physical and cybersecurity access to our facilities, materials and network to ensure the security of our work.” The restrictions apply to Chinese students, researchers and contractors involved in projects tied to NASA. Affected individuals are no longer permitted to access data systems, attend internal meetings or enter agency facilities, effectively excluding them from U.S. space research under NASA’s authority.

In remarks during a NASA livestream, acting administrator Sean Duffy said, “We’re in a second space race right now. The Chinese want to get back to the moon before us. That’s not going to happen. America has led in space in the past, and we are going to continue to lead in space in the future.”

The Chinese Embassy in Washington denounced the policy as discriminatory and accused the United States of politicizing science and technology. “China has consistently and firmly opposed the US’s generalisation of the concept of national security,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. “Science and technology issues should not be politicised.”

The embassy urged NASA and U.S. authorities to reconsider the measure.