(RIA Novosti) Russian experts will have a role in overseeing the upcoming mission of Chinese astronauts, which will include China's first spacewalk, a spokesman for country's manned space program said Wednesday.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft with three astronauts on board is scheduled to launch Thursday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province, in the northwest of China. [...]
"We are also grateful to Russia for its active cooperation in the training of astronauts," the spokesman said, adding that good opportunities were opening up for further partnership.
With Russia facing isolation from NASA over its conflict with Georgia, the former Soviet empire is probably attempting to strengthen its position as a space power, while at the same time ensuring that it has a dedicated partner to help take them beyond the sky.
China is probably warming up to the idea (as going alone can be rough), as an agreement between the two could help form a counterweight against America's, who has been less than thrilled about partnering with the Asian giant ever since the Anti-Satellite Test (aka ASAT).
Either way, this alliance could help spark a future space cold war, which may ultimately motivate our species to expand off world (note: provided we do not destroy this one of course).
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Just like you said, this can be a good or VERY BAD THING. I personally have no desire to see a hot world war in my lifetime
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