Russia and China to join forces in creation of new International Scientific Lunar Station

In a statement released by Russian space agency Roscosmos, it was announced that the project would be a joint effort with China's National Space Administration, but that it is "open to all international partners interested in cooperation in the planning, justification, design, development, implementation and operation of the ISLS, strengthening research exchanges and promoting peaceful exploration and use of outer space in the interests of all humankind".

According to the statement, the goal of the ISLS is "to carry out multidisciplinary and multipurpose research activities, including the exploration and use of the Moon, lunar observations, fundamental research experiments and technology verification with the possibility of long-term unmanned operation with the prospect of ensuring human presence".

The agreement has already been signed, and the two countries are now preparing their respective agencies for the mission. According to CNN, it is expected that the program will launch its first spaceships into orbit by 2030.

Russians and Americans have been working closely with one another on the International Space Station since 1998, however recent political feuds have lead to increasing tensions. It is reported that Russia will leave the ISS program by 2025.

While the East has been distancing itself from the West on Earth for some time, this move brings the split to another level.