Kathmandu: The US space agency NASA has imposed new restrictions on Chinese nationals holding US visas, barring them from accessing NASA facilities, research programs, and internal networks. The decision reflects Washington’s increasing concern over the escalating US–China competition in space technology and the security of American space leadership.

Immediate Termination of Access

According to The Epoch Times, Chinese nationals working as contractors or researchers on NASA projects were notified of the change on September 5, with their access being immediately revoked. This cut them off from digital systems and ongoing project meetings without prior notice.

Security Concerns Cited

NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens confirmed the move, stating that the restrictions are meant to mitigate physical and cybersecurity risks. “The step was necessary to protect sensitive work,” she said.

The decision follows heightened scrutiny of Chinese nationals in the US tech sector, where several espionage cases have reportedly been linked to the Chinese Communist regime in recent years.

US Officials Emphasize Leadership in Space

In an interview with Fox Business, acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy said the US must “lead the second space race,” adding that the restrictions were justified because China’s lunar ambitions are seen as military-driven rather than purely scientific.

US defense officials have echoed similar concerns. Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, head of the US Space Force, has warned that Beijing’s space program is closely tied to its long-term military strategy.

China’s Growing Space Push

China has been accelerating its space activities, including an August test of its Long March-10 rocket aimed at future lunar missions. Beijing has set a goal to land astronauts on the moon by the end of the decade, a move viewed by Washington as a challenge to US dominance in space exploration.