Analysts react to Japan’s newly announced plans with the U.S. to send an astronaut to the moon in a move to outpace China in the space race. What Happened: President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have recently disclosed Japan’s collaboration with the U.S. to launch an astronaut to the moon by 2028, and another by 2032, South China Morning Post reported on Monday. This strategic move is seen as an attempt to thwart China from claiming a significant triumph in space exploration. “Beijing is likely to perceive this as a direct challenge,” stated Lance Gatling, president of Nexial Res…