PRC announces beginning of second phase of lunar lander planning for 2013

I guess the Chinese aren't interested in going for the X-Prize. Planning misses Google deadline by at least a few months.

Peoples Daily Online

According to the Beijing Morning Post, the second step of China's lunar exploration, the " Lunar landing " project, has been launched. On March 5, Ye Peijian, chief designer and commander-in-chief of China's lunar probe program's satellite system, said that presently research personnel are stepping up the moon rover's development and testing. Ye Peijian is also a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

According to China's plan for lunar exploration activities, after the successful implementation of the lunar probe program, the second step, the "Lunar landing" project, would be carried out. Ye Peijian said that the specific plan has been discussed in relevant State departments. The R & D and construction work of the "Lunar landing" projects has already begun, but the specific program still requires approval. the "Lunar landing" project will finish before 2013. According to the plans for the "Lunar landing" project, a moon rover will land on the moon and explore the surface.