China unveils lunar samples in Beijing

For the first time, lunar samples collected from the Moon's near and far sides are on display at an exhibition that opened Tuesday in Beijing.

The exhibition at the National Museum of China is themed around China's lunar exploration program over two decades and jointly hosted by the museum and the China National Space Administration.

The samples were collected by China's Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions.

The exhibition also presents hundreds of valuable artifacts as well as pictures and documents related to China's lunar exploration program that was officially approved in 2004.

According to the organizers, the exhibition provides a comprehensive overview of the country's lunar exploration efforts, highlighting its historical background, development, major achievements and future goals.

"The exhibition can help us learn more about the moon and the solar system," said a visitor.

China's lunar exploration program has made systematic advancements across scientific research, technological innovation, engineering development and international collaboration over the past two decades, said Wu Weiren, the chief designer of China's lunar exploration program, at the opening of the exhibition.

He noted that the program has produced a wealth of geological and environmental data, uncovering new elements, minerals and phenomena -- greatly enriching humanity's knowledge of the moon.

Looking ahead, Wu said, China plans to launch the Chang'e-7 mission around 2026 to explore the environment and resources of the south pole of the moon. The Chang'e-8 mission, set for around 2028, will conduct experiments for the in-situ utilization of lunar resources.

"The Chang'e-7 lunar probe will target the moon's south pole to search for water. Chang'e-8 is aimed to build communication and energy systems at the south pole and produce the first 'lunar brick' using materials from the moon. The missions will provide important support for China's construction of a lunar space station in the future," he said.

The exhibition will run for two months.

China unveils lunar samples in Beijing

China unveils lunar samples in Beijing

China unveils lunar samples in Beijing

Qatar firmly opposes using the Strait of Hormuz as a tool for exerting pressure, warning that any disruption to maritime traffic would have severe consequences for global energy security and supply chains.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said that any impediment to passage through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger widespread economic ripple effects, and that Qatar firmly opposes any action that obstruct the navigation of vessels.

He stressed the urgent need for enhanced global coordination to ensure the smooth flow of energy supplies and voiced Qatar's support for all international efforts aimed at ensuring the security and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

"So, our focus is on ending that war, on reaching a diplomatic solution that hopefully would mean that you would not resort back to the use of the strait as leverage. But, of course, we call on all parties to open the strait immediately," he said.

Al-Ansari also said that diplomatic means is the only way to resolve the current crisis in the Middle East, and that Qatar supports Pakistan's mediation efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation.

Qatar hopes to reach a comprehensive agreement that takes into account the interests of the Iranian people and the people of other countries in the region, while also addressing the international community's concerns regarding the Iranian issue, said the spokesman.

Qatar opposes using Strait of Hormuz as tool of pressure