China space plan highlights commitment to space exploration, analysts say

FILE - In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, researchers prepare to weigh Chang'e 6 lunar samples at the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, in Beijing on June 26, 2024.

Chinese officials recently released a 25-year space exploration plan that details five major scientific themes and 17 priority areas for scientific breakthroughs with one goal: to make China a world leader in space by 2050 and a key competitor with the U.S. in space, for decades to come.