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Shangjing.
At a press conference held by the press office.
Standing before the media cameras, the formally dressed spokesperson announced in a clear, solemn voice.
"...In light of the international community's eager anticipation, our senior leadership has decided, after deliberation, to open applications for participation in the 'Tinder' project at the end of this month. We welcome the international community to join us in this great undertaking, which concerns Earth and the future of humanity."
As soon as the spokesperson finished, murmurs of surprise spread through the room.
Opening the "Tinder" project to the international community?
Why was this playing out a little differently from what they had expected?
Before this, most international media outlets had portrayed the so-called "Tinder" project as paving the way for Hua Nation's ambitions to colonize space. They had naturally assumed that the related research would be conducted behind closed doors. No one had expected Hua Nation to so generously open participation in the "Tinder" project to the international community.
Anyone with at least professional-level expertise could submit an application to the department responsible for the project and, upon approval, participate in the research program.
An investment of 1.5 billion RMB amounted to more than 200 million US dollars. For most natural science researchers struggling with insufficient funding, Hua Nation's level of support for the project was extremely attractive.
Just as Lu Zhou had predicted, once the Ministry of Science and Technology opened participation in the "Tinder" project, research applications came pouring in from around the world like snowflakes. The sheer number of applications was so overwhelming that, to process them more quickly, the ministry established a dedicated section-level department to help the project organizers coordinate this massive scientific undertaking.
The international academic community naturally welcomed and approved of Hua Nation's decision to open participation