China plans to retrieve Mars samples by 2031

China's growing presence in space has been undeniable since the turn of the century. Between sending the first "taikonaut" to space in 2003 (Yang Liwei), launching the first Chinese robotic mission to the moon (Chang'e-1) in 2007, and the deployment of their Tiangong space station between 2021 and 2022, China has emerged as a major power in space. Accordingly, they have bold plans for the future, like the proposed expansion of their Tiangong space station and the creation of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) by 2035.

source https://phys.org/news/2024-12-china-mars-samples.html