[samtheman]

The thing to do is not compete with these countries head-on but to out-think them. For example, why is a Lunar Base superior to an L5 orbital station? Is it just PR, or are there real advantages to being on the moon?

[CasearianDaoist]

radiation

[Cincinatus' Wife]

At the south pole there are peaks in constant sunlight. With the water-ice at the same location, you have the prime real estate everyone is now in a "gold rush" to claim.

[Cronos]

These countries are not a threat to our space exploration now or within the next 20 years. Come 2025 and things may change, come 2050 and things are definitely going to be different (for instance, compare the time NOW to how things were in say 1930. Folks would've thought that the Brits would remain a superpower along with the French)