China has introduced a new design for its Long March 9 heavy-lift rocket, which bears a striking resemblance to SpaceX's Starship.

This 114-meter rocket is designed to have a low Earth payload capacity of 150,000 kg, comparable to Starship's expected capacity.

The competition for prime lunar landing sites will hinge on the reliability of vehicles like the Long March 9, SpaceX's Starship, and NASA's Space Launch System.

In addition to the Long March 9, China's Mars helicopter, MarsBird-VI, showcases advancements in Martian exploration technology.

The Long March 9 is central to China's strategy in the evolving space race, particularly for lunar exploration, especially in the Moon's southern polar region where water ice is believed to exist.

Despite advancements, China currently lacks a super-heavy lift vehicle that can rival SpaceX's capabilities.

As the global space race progresses, SpaceX is preparing for the sixth test flight of Starship, following a series of successful orbital launch tests.

Chinese officials assert that their reusable rocket program is 'inspired' by SpaceX's achievements, denying accusations of direct copying.

The Long March 9 features an upper stage and aerodynamic flaps that observers note are similar to those found on SpaceX's Starship.

Achieving reusable rocket capabilities is seen as crucial for establishing a permanent lunar presence, giving either the U.S. or China a significant advantage.

American space journalist Eric Berger highlighted that China's design aligns with its long-term goals for lunar settlement, with a debut planned for 2033.

These developments indicate that China is actively working towards establishing a sustainable and reliable space transportation system.