Media: US-China space rivalry set to intensify under Trump

According to experts quoted by South China Morning Post (SCMP), US President Donald Trump's promise to lead the charge in exploring and developing Mars has set the stage for heightened competition between the United States and China in space, per Caliber.Az.

However, this rivalry is not expected to be confrontational.

University of Chicago political scientist Yang Dali, whose insights were shared by the publication, suggests that this growing competition could offer China an opportunity to "learn from the United States." Dali noted that the rivalry "may not necessarily be intense or confrontational in nature, and it is not the kind of negative competition we usually imagine."

Dali also highlighted that prominent figures like Elon Musk believe space exploration is vital to human civilization’s development, regardless of which country leads the way. "Competition is a process of mutual learning," he said, pointing to how Chinese companies are "learning from Elon Musk and catching up with him, for example, by developing reusable rockets."

James Chen, a professor at Tamkang University in Taiwan, echoed Dali’s sentiment, arguing that the rivalry in space exploration is "not inherently hostile" due to the potential benefits it offers humanity. "Trump's mention of Mars in his speech was largely aimed at realizing Musk's ambitions," he added.

During his inaugural address on January 20, 2025, President Trump laid out his vision for the United States’ future in space, vowing that the country would expand its reach by sending astronauts to Mars. "The United States will once again see itself as a growing nation that increases its prosperity, expands its territory, builds its cities, inspires hope, and carries its flag to new and beautiful horizons," Trump said in the Rotunda of the US Capitol. "Following its destiny to the stars, sending American astronauts to plant the star-spangled flag on the planet Mars."

Trump emphasized the importance of ambition, declaring, "Ambition is the lifeblood of a great nation, and now our nation is more ambitious than any other." Reflecting on the nation's history, he added, "The call of the next great adventure is sounding" in the hearts of Americans, stressing that, with unity, nothing is impossible for the nation.

Trump, who served as president from 2017 to 2021, began his second term on January 20, 2025, becoming only the second US president in history to hold the office twice after a break. The first was Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. Trump is the 45th and 47th president of the United States.

By Tamilla Hasanova