The missions to the Moon conducted by China and India sum up the spirit of the Twenty First Century.

The shift of power from the West to the East has been leading to a prestige marathon, in which both giants try to catch up with the industrialized countries in terms of technology and economic prowess.

No doubt that entering the elite team of countries belonging to the lunar club, brings global recognition, national pride and economic advantages.

Though, this lunar race should be carefully watched and assessed, in order not to become a lunatic race.

Scientific achievements from space missions can feed both softpower and hardpower capabilities. The former reflects the desire of China and India to let us all know that their erstwhile global stature is back ; the latter reveals the requirements involved in asserting their strategic interests in a volatile multipolar arena.

The borderline between the aforementioned capabilities sometimes seems to be paper-thin, as national unity, economic development and security matters are so intertwined and may be conducted in a blurring way.

Cooperation might bring development. Mistrust might bring space warfare.

The world is tired of wars.

Let´s give the Moon a better chance!