AnewZ Morning Brief - May 22nd, 2025
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 22th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
China’s national space agency announced on Thursday that it would permit scientists from the United States and allied nations to study moon rocks collected by its Chang’e-5 mission in 2020. This move is seen as part of China’s strategy to bolster the international profile of its lunar exploration efforts.
Despite ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over geopolitics and trade, the collaboration underscores that some forms of scientific exchange remain possible. Seven research institutions, including Brown University and the State University of New York at Stony Brook—both recipients of NASA funding—have been granted access to the lunar samples. The other authorised institutions hail from Japan, France, Germany, Britain, and Pakistan.
China became only the third country to collect lunar samples through its uncrewed Chang’e-5 mission, joining the Soviet Union and the United States. In 2024, it achieved another milestone by becoming the first nation to return samples from the moon’s far side through the Chang’e-6 mission.
However, collaboration between NASA and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) remains restricted due to a 2011 US law that requires any engagement with China to undergo national security review involving the FBI. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson noted in October that discussions were ongoing regarding the sample-sharing agreement and assured lawmakers that there would be no national security risks.
Nelson also stated that four US universities had applied to receive the Chang’e-5 samples, and he anticipated that further FBI certification would be needed before any material was handed over.
China is using its growing space capabilities as a diplomatic tool. Wu Weiren, chief designer of China’s lunar programme, remarked that the country’s increased strength and confidence have led to greater openness, contrasting with what he described as rising US isolationism.
The CNSA disclosed that earlier Chang’e missions included international payloads, with the upcoming Chang’e-7 mission in 2026 set to carry six international instruments. Discussions are also underway with 10 nations for the Chang’e-8 mission, which will contribute to China’s goal of establishing a permanent crewed lunar base by 2035.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
France has rejected India’s request to share source codes needed to integrate indigenous weapons into Rafale fighter jets. Despite repeated appeals, French manufacturer Dassault Aviation has refused to compromise on the issue
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
AnewZ and Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly/Silk Way TV channel co-hosted a special AnewZ Talks in Astana at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), uniting global experts and young leaders at Silk Road Media Group’s journalism school to explore the growing intersection of media and diplomacy.
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has confirmed that at least 69,461 customers had personal and financial information stolen in a months-long data breach, which the company disclosed last week.
Taiwan's Computex tech show brought together thousands of international participants on Tuesday, showcasing the highly advanced Artificial Intelligence and robotic systems.
Microsoft announced on Monday that it will begin hosting AI models from Elon Musk's xAI, Meta Platforms, and European startups like Mistral and Black Forest Labs in its own data centers.
Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun announced a $6.9 billion investment plan over the next decade to develop advanced chips, unveiling the new Xring O1 system-on-chip this Thursday, aiming to boost the company’s high-end smartphone strategy and reduce reliance on Qualcomm.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has spotted the first aurora on Mars visible to the human eye, offering a glimpse of what future astronauts might one day enjoy under the Martian sky.
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