China’s efforts to expand its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative have faced challenges, as evidenced by the recent addition of subnational entities as partners. The Asociación de Astronomía de Colombia (ASASAC) and Kyrgyzstan’s Arabaev Kyrgyz State University are among the latest organizations to sign memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL). Analysts suggest that China’s inclusion of civilian associations and universities may indicate difficulties in securing broader governmental partnerships for its ILRS program.

Source: https://spacenews.com/china-adds-new-moon-base-project-partners-but-struggles-to-attract-national-level-participation/