NASA ban on Chinese scientists 'improper'
Updated: 2013-10-12 21:17
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
BEIJING - US space agency NASA's decision to exclude Chinese scientists from an upcoming science conference was "improper", a Chinese official said on Saturday.
"It's improper to disqualify Chinese researchers from international exchange due to their nationality," said an unidentified spokesperson with the China Association for Science and Technology.
Six Chinese participants were refused attendance at the Kepler conference, scheduled to take place at NASA's Ames Research Center in California in November.
The decision by NASA has sparked discontent from both Chinese scientists and some prominent US astronomers who vowed to boycott the conference.
The exploration of the universe is a common undertaking endeavored by all human beings, and international exchange and cooperation are vital to advancing scientific progress, said the spokesperson.
"I hope the issue can be resolved in a good way, so that the openness and cooperation of scientific research can be promoted," the spokesperson said. "We'd like to increase exchanges and share experience in developing space technology with other nations."
NASA administrator Charles Bolden said Thursday that he had directed the space agency to reconsider applications of Chinese researchers.
However, the US government shutdown since October 1 over Republican opposition to President Barack Obama's health care reform has probably hampered efforts to resolve the spat, according to organizers of the conference.
Related Stories
China hits at NASA's conference ban 2013-10-10 00:21
Scientists boycott NASA's ban 2013-10-06 10:25
Today's Top News
G20 urges US to act quickly to avoid default
Statue of Liberty to reopen
China mulls adjusting rules on bank liquidity
Dozens dead in migrant shipwreck off Sicily
Obama, Republicans struggle to break deadlock
Yuan clearing bank in sight
OPCW wins Nobel Peace Prize
Trending news across China
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Rallying to the rescue of fishermen |
Writers chase dreams online |
Officials: A matter of faith |
No crisis of character |
Xi visits Indonesia, Malaysia, attends APEC Summit |
National Day holidays around the world |