U.S. Snubs China's Offer for Space Cooperation

Devar writes "According to this space.com article The US has turned down China's offer for cooperation in space because their 'technology was not mature.' "Anticipating future space cooperation with the U.S., China fitted the Shenzhou craft with a docking ring capable of linking up with the International Space Station (ISS) and has at least one launch site, Jiuquan, located at near the same latitude as NASA's Cape Canaveral, which would allow similar launch profiles." This action has prompted China to turn to the ESA."

Comments

What was said between the two countries?

[shiwala]

I wonder if the dialogue was anything like Civilization II...

Enraged Chinese Emissary
"Your civilization's greatness is an example for all, but our people grow jealous of your privileged lifestyle. Only the secret of Space Flight will appease them!"

[o] "No. Your people are not ready for such knowledge."
[_] Give secret of Space Flight.

Enraged Chinese Emissary
"We know you have knowledge of Space Flight. Give us the secret at once, or face the consequences!"

[o] "Consequences, schmonsequences!"
[_] Give secret of Space Flight.

...(with apologies to Sid Meier)

Re:NASA to China

[Anonymous Coward]

When Republican's talk about the hate-America first crowd, they're talking about anyone who's not Republican.

So

[ColaMan]

They've got a craft with a docking ring for the ISS.

What's really to stop them from launching and just hooking on up with the ISS? Are there anti-spacecraft LASERS on the ISS?

Hell, if I could do it , I would ...
(Another quiet day on the ISS)
(Suddenly there's a bit of a bump)
radio: "Bing,bong!"
ISS crew: "er, Hello?"
radio : "Ah, g'day. Was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd do the friendly thing and drop in and say hi."
ISS crew: "(Stunned silence)"
radio: "I've got a six pack on ice here.... want one? We could chuck empty beer bottles at passing continents... bet you can't hit the white house from here!"