Asia Tech Wire (July 1) -- China has partnered with France, Italy, Pakistan and the European Space Agency (ESA) on a mission to collect samples from the far side of the moon, but has not sought NASA's participation, NASA spokesperson Faith McKie said Friday.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted a regular press conference on Monday, where a reporter asked a question about McKie's remarks.

Mao responded that the Chinese government has an open attitude toward China-U.S. space exchanges and cooperation.

She pointed out that the Chang'e 6 lunar exploration mission issued an announcement of opportunity to the world, and that China also welcomes the participation of countries around the world in studying lunar samples.

In April 2019, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) issued the Announcement of Opportunities for Scientific Payloads onboard Chang'E-6 Mission, which finalized four international payload projects.

But "the U.S. side seems to have forgotten the existence of domestic laws such as the Wolf Amendment," Mao said, adding, "I wonder if U.S. scientists and related organizations will be allowed by their own government to participate in exchanges and cooperation with China."

The Chang'e 6 lunar module returned to Earth last week, landing accurately and normally in Inner Mongolia, realizing the world's first return of a sample from the far side of the moon.

The sample was measured to weigh 1,935.3 grams.