China selects Kenya for a special mission in space as the US raises alarm over the deal
China selects Kenya for a special mission in space as the US raises alarm over the deal citing risk exposure on its own space expansion.
Among the 17 nations invited to join China’s unique space mission under the Tiangong Space Station, Kenya was chosen.
On September 29, T-House Opinions, a media organization connected to the Chinese government, claimed that the 17 nations that make up the initial batch are anticipated to conduct research at the space station.
Among the developed nations chosen were China, Germany, Italy, France, Russia, and the United States.
Poland, Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, India, Belgium, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Peru were among the other countries.
“The first batch of 17 countries will cover a wide range of research. Tiangong is ready for the final assembly,” reported the outlet.
Tiangong Space Station, popularly known as Heavenly Palace, is a station in China that wields its own power, propulsion, life support systems, and living quarters.
By 2030, China hopes to have the space station finished, its first astronauts on the moon, and a team deployed to Jupiter and Mars to gather samples.
The US and China have both launched their own private initiatives, and the Soviet Union has also joined the competition.
Due to US rules prohibiting Americans from sharing intelligence with their Asian rivals, China was prohibited from participating in the International Space Station (ISS).
The US also expressed concern in September 2020 on the proposed partnership between Kenya and China, claiming that it would jeopardize its own space expansion plans.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) administrator, Jim Bridenstine, told the US Congress that the deal would further undercut Washington’s relations with Kenya.
Kenya has continued fostering relations with China, one of the East African country’s major infrastructure developers and creditors.
China was wary of this relationship dwindling down upon President William Ruto’s inauguration.
The President, who had pledged to review Kenya’s ties with the Chinese, however, allayed the fears after assuming office.
Also read,
Ruto restructuring financial institutions to offer low-cost loans to “hustlers”
US pleads to Ruto over China’s dominance in Kenyan Market
China dismisses claims of overburdening Kenya with Debt
China measures to expand imports from Africa: Chinese trade official
Follow us
