[Destro]

If you chart the progres of Chinese colonies around Asia, you will note that the Chinese have a long tradition of exploration/colonization. Some historians say that the devastating Manchu invasions was what kept China from sending out her own versions of Columbus and Magellan.

Interesting future shaping up.

[smokeyjon]

Who knows? It would be wonderful if this sparked a new Space Race, back to the Moon, and onto Mars.

I did love that quote, "we'll do more than plant a red flag and pick up some rocks." They neglect to mention that their current technology is *possibly* (since I doubt they'll release specs) on par with 30 year old Apollo technology (other than the computers, obviously).

[Int]

the progress of Chinese colonies around Asia...

The question is; will the Chinese moon colony speak Cantonese or Mandarin? :)

[Democratshavenobrains]

To any aliens out there: Don't count on the UN to keep China from taking over your civilizations!!!!!!

[Rome2000]

China intends to reach the moon by 2010. Some here belittle the American moon landing in 1969, proclaiming they will do more than "plant a red flag and pick up rocks," as one space planner put it.

They are the ones that would be planting a "red" flag.

Not likely to happen though, the Chinese first have to master the art of driving an automobile, and good peripheral vision is a must when landing on the moon.

In addition, chopsticks are totally useless in zero g.

[CrimeOf73]

Anything that forces America to get off its duff and head for the stars is nothing but good news.

[Knuckle Sandwich Combo]

[RightWhale]

Chinese officials also argue that the United States has wasted wealth and energy on the complex and inherently risky shuttle.

No kidding.

[DoctorMichael]

"Space technology does not belong to the rich countries alone," said Zhang Houying, a scientific director of the Shenzhou program......".......................now that we have had a chance to get our hands on this verysame technology from Loral. Thank you Birl Krinton, you are a true hero of the prolitariat."