NASA expects to intensify its cooperation with China in the area of civilian space exploration, as the head of the US space agency described the Asian giant as a "potential partner" and not a threat.

This was the core of NASA Administrator Charles Bolden's remarks during an event hosted by the Washington-based think-tank Strategies and International Studies, reported the China Daily.

Like Us on Facebook

"Since I only view civilian space, I see them as a potential partner," Bolden said in his message.

"They're already a partner in some areas" he added, referring to NASA and China's cooperation in areas such as Earth and lunar science, including collaborative research with the Chinese Academy of Sciences on geodetics and glacial characterization in the Himalaya region.

"So there are potential areas of partnerships there, but because of congressional restrictions right now, we are limited to merely multilateral activities," the NASA administrator continued. "Engagement always beats isolation. Engagement always beats trying to do things on their own."

It can be recalled that the US Congress passed a law in 2011 which prohibited NASA from hosting Chinese visitors at its facilities.

The law likewise barred the space agency from working with researchers who were connected with any Chinese government entity or enterprise.

In a groundbreaking move on Sunday, China expressed its willingness to work hand in hand with all nations including the United States in space exploration.

The Chinese government believes that close cooperation between major space players will lead to the development of mankind.

"China will not rule out cooperating with any country, and that includes the United States," noted Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut during celebrations of the first China Space Day.

With these latest developments, NASA and China's increased cooperation in space-related activities are anticipated to bring humankind closer to its dream of conquering the vast frontiers of outer space.    

Tagschina, NASA, charles bolden