The Moon is no longer just a symbol of human achievement—it’s becoming a hotspot in a new era of geopolitical power plays. The United States and China are no longer just competing on Earth; their ambitions are clashing in orbit and now on the lunar surface. This isn’t just about flags and footprints—it’s about resources, dominance, and the future of space governance. The Artemis Accords, led by the U.S. and its allies, represent an attempt to establish new rules for lunar exploration. These agreements are voluntary, but they aim to set the tone for how countries operate on the Moon—promoting peaceful collaboration, transparency, and respect for each other’s zones of activity. More than 30 nations have signed the Accords, but some key space powers, including China and Russia, have not. Instead, China is forming its own coalition with plans for the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a rival project to the U.S.-led Artemis missions. The ILRS represents a long-term Chinese vision...