This was announced in an interview with Interfax by Chinese Ambassador to Moscow Zhang Hanhui.
“Regarding the intergovernmental agreement on cooperation between China and Russia on the establishment of a lunar research station, the two sides have basically reached a consensus on the text of the agreement, which is expected to be signed as soon as possible this year,” the diplomat said.
He noted that Russia and China will develop and implement a plan for the construction of a lunar station, attracting international partners.
"The International Lunar Research Station will be another important new contribution by China and Russia to promote the long-term sustainable development of the United Nations space activities," he added.
As the deputy head of the Chinese National Space Administration, Wu Yanhua, said earlier, China and Russia may sign an intergovernmental agreement on the creation of a lunar station by the end of this year.
In December, China approved the next stage of the program to explore the surface of the moon in preparation for the construction of a joint scientific station with Russia.