Once upon a time, the captivating tale of Chang'e soaring to the moon danced through the echoes of Chinese folklore. Fast forward to today, this ancient myth has transformed into a tangible reality, with moon samples now residing not in the realm of legends, but in the esteemed halls of the United Nations in Vienna.

Celebrating Two Decades of Lunar Exploration

On June 25, during the 68th session of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, China proudly unveiled an exhibition showcasing lunar samples gathered from both the near and far sides of the moon. This event marked a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years of China's lunar exploration prowess.

Technological Triumphs and a Global Vision

The lunar samples, brought back by the groundbreaking Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions, signify monumental advances in space science. Chang'e-5's successful odyssey in 2020 positioned China as the third nation to retrieve material from the moon, alongside the United States and the Soviet Union. Just when we thought it couldn't get better, Chang'e-6 swooped in to bring back the very first samples from the moon's far side in 2024—another feather in China's cap.

A Message of Global Cooperation

However, China's space ambitions aren’t merely fueled by national pride. The exhibition’s core theme is clear: China’s space exploration endeavors are open to the world. The Chang'e missions have evolved from isolated feats into collaborative ventures. Over the last two decades, China has embraced partnerships through bilateral agreements, joint missions, and scientific exchanges. The Chang'e-6 mission, notably, included scientific payloads from France, Italy, Pakistan, and the European Space Agency.

Lunar Samples: A Shared Treasure

China understands that these lunar samples represent more than just national achievement; they are treasures that belong to humanity as a whole. Committed to international cooperation, China advocates for a space exploration ethos grounded in equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful development. In a world often marred by geopolitical frictions, China's call for multilateralism and global collaboration offers a hopeful counter-narrative.

Beyond the Moon: China's Expanding Cosmic Horizons

China’s accomplishments in space extend far beyond lunar missions. With its historic Tianwen-1 mission, launched in July 2020, China made waves in interplanetary exploration, successfully deploying an orbiter, lander, and rover to Mars—all in one go.

Additionally, China is pioneering solar observation with two advanced satellites that provide groundbreaking insights into the sun's behavior.

A Call for Collaborative Deep-Space Exploration

China is also calling for an open, inclusive platform for deep-space exploration, actively inviting nations—both developed and developing—to join in future missions. With cooperation agreements signed with 17 countries and organizations, China is forging ahead with projects like the International Lunar Research Station, offering various forms of collaboration.

The initial experimental projects, part of China’s collaboration with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, are already taking flight aboard the Chinese space station.

A Shared Human Journey

Just like the enchanting story of Chang'e, what once seemed distant and otherworldly is now weaving into the fabric of our shared human narrative. China’s journey in space is an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and the unyielding human spirit.