China will not rush to get to moon

Despite the success of China's first lunar probe Chang'e I, the country is still in the "initial stage" of space travel compared with the United States, Russia and Europe, NPC deputy Hu Hao, director of the moon exploration center under the Commission of Science Technology and Industry of National Defense, said yesterday.

"Scientific research can't be rushed," Hu said, citing proposals urging scientists to accelerate the pace of lunar exploration projects.

"Lunar travel is an undertaking that is difficult, risky and requires huge investment. You can't take a wish-list approach to it."