French scientists are harnessing China's shared lunar samples to unlock new frontiers in their Moon research, accelerating breakthroughs in planetary science.
In 2023, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) presented Russia and France with lunar samples for scientific purposes, with France receiving 1.5 grams of samples.
Under lock and key at the Paris Institute of Earth Physics, a tiny fragment, barely a speck to the eye, is part of the 1.7-kilogram haul brought back from the Moon by China's landmark Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.
Estimated to be around two billion years old, it holds clues to a chapter of lunar history never seen before.
"Because most of the Lunar samples we had are very old and we are basing our understanding of the surface of the Moon (on samples). When you look at the Moon you have plenty of craters, and we use the age of the rocks to try to calibrate how many craters you have at different ages. I think these very young samples can really fill up the gap for longer ages to get a much better chronology of the surface of the Moon," said Frederic Moynier, professor of the Paris Institute of Earth Physics.
Inside the labs of the university, preparations are underway to begin testing within weeks.
Moynier and his team are focusing on one of the Moon's biggest mysteries.
"My science has been to understand why the Moon which is so close to Earth has no water, when the Earth is covered in water. So, all my research before was based on the Apollo samples. So, what I want to do on this sample is look at water, hydrogen, volatile elements to try to understand better how the Moon is formed," he said.
The team will also compare this fragment with other lunar samples to map the Moon's interior and reconstruct its volcanic timeline, rendering data that could refine future lunar missions.
Long Zhengyu, a Chinese PhD student, said the shared samples have bolstered scientific cooperation between the two countries.
"I think because China and France, right now they have a very good connection and relationship between the two countries. So it is a good opportunity for our students to do such research," he said.
French scientists utilize China-shared lunar samples to advance Moon research
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
