China will not embark on any lunar probe competition "in any form with any country" and will "share the results of its moon exploration with the whole world" in its pursuit of a policy of peaceful use of airspace, said a chief commander of the country's first lunar satellite project.

"The decision on the lunar probe was made completely in accordance with China's own conditions, which is not meant to be compared with others," said Luan Enjie, chief commander of the lunar satellite project.

He acknowledged that a new wave of moon exploration had started in recent years and many capable countries had mapped out their own moon probe plans.

The lunar satellite, named Chang'e 1, launched yesterday marked the first step of China's ambitious three-stage moon mission and a milestone in the country's space exploration history.

"Chang'e 1 only conducts scientific missions, without any military aims and carrying no military facilities and equipment," said a spokesman of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense on Wednesday.

"When China has accumulated enough in space technology and economic strength, it's natural to make the decision to stride towards deep space exploration,'' said Luan.

"Our decision-making process was carried out without any exterior influences."