China's Moon Timeline Is a Geopolitical Signal

China publicly released a detailed mission sequence and calendar (uncrewed Long March 10A test in 2027; lander descent/ascent test in 2028; dockings in lunar orbit in 2029; crewed landing before 2030). The specificity functions as a commitment device and allows outside observers to track technical progress, budget priorities, and industrial bottlenecks. — Public timelines for major space missions are actionable geopolitical signals: they reshape rival plans, procurement, international partnerships, and domestic industrial policy.