NASA has begun barring Chinese nationals with valid visas from joining its programs, underscoring the intensifying space race between the rival powers. The policy shift was confirmed by the US government agency.

According to NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens, NASA has taken internal action pertaining to Chinese nationals, including restricting physical and cybersecurity access to their facilities, materials, and network to ensure the security of work. Chinese nationals had previously been allowed to work as contractors or students contributing to research, although not as staff.