The U.S. and China just held a dialogue on space, mostly in secret to avoid the sensationalist ire of politicians and pundits. Working cooperatively could enable scientists in both countries to do more with their limited funds, exchange data and scientific discovery, as well as improve Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

NASA’s ban on Chinese researchers and scientists at next month’s meeting at the Ames Research Center has caused outcry far and wide. While the backlash against NASA has came mostly from big name research institutions, like Yale University, Wu Zurong writes that US politicians stuck in a Cold War-mindset are to blame.