NASA Blocks Chinese Nationals from Access to Facilities Amid Tensions

Wed Oct 22 2025 11:02:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

NASA has banned Chinese citizens with valid US visas from its facilities, citing security concerns. This move highlights increasing tensions between the US and China's space ambitions.

The US space agency NASA has officially barred Chinese nationals from accessing its facilities and resources due to national security concerns. This decision impacts contractors and students who were previously allowed to contribute to NASA's research initiatives. As tensions grow between the US and China, this measure reflects heightened scrutiny and suspicion surrounding potential espionage, further straining scientific collaboration between the countries. Chinese astronauts are also excluded from the International Space Station, illustrating the widening rift in space exploration as both nations race to assert their dominance in this critical arena.

NASA Blocks Chinese Nationals from Access to Facilities Amid Tensions

The US space agency NASA has blocked Chinese citizens with valid US visas from its facilities - a move that effectively bars them from working at one of the most respected space research centers.

Chinese nationals, who could only work at NASA as contractors or students contributing to research, found out on 5 September that they had lost all access to NASA's systems and facilities, Bloomberg news reported, citing sources.

NASA then confirmed this, stating that Chinese nationals would be restricted from using the agency's facilities, materials and networks to ensure the security of our work.

This latest restriction comes amid concerns regarding China's accelerated space program, which has raised alarms in the US and intensified competition between the two countries.

Chinese astronauts have been excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) due to US restrictions on sharing data with China. This ban further diminishes scientific cooperation as both nations grapple with national security issues.

NASA's actions have made it increasingly difficult for Chinese students, particularly in science and technology, to obtain visas to study or work in the US. Numerous allegations of espionage involving Chinese nationals, especially scientists, have heightened scrutiny and suspicion within the US.

Reports indicate that Chinese nationals who were previously involved with NASA suddenly discovered they were locked out of the agency’s data systems and barred from attending meetings related to their work.

NASA's press secretary, Bethany Stevens, confirmed the actions taken concerning Chinese nationals, including restricting access to facilities for security reasons.

As both nations compete to explore the moon and beyond, the stakes are rising. The race to lunar resources is also at play, with vital minerals and materials at the forefront of space exploration ambitions.

At a US Senate hearing, lawmakers highlighted the urgency for the US to accelerate its lunar ambitions ahead of China, underscoring the high stakes involved in maintaining dominant space capabilities.

The growing rift in international cooperation in space exploration raises questions about the future of scientific collaboration between the two global powers amidst their escalating competition.