The US is not so clear about its intentions right now, but China landing on the Moon later this year and a resurgence of international interest in the Moon could change that.

FORBES: The Moon is a Natural Platform for Asteroid Mining, Detection and Deflection

China also hopes to make its first moon landing within two years and to put an astronaut on the moon as early as 2025.

FORBES: U.S. Boldly Goes No More as China's Space Program Takes Off