It would be ironic if the PRC's paper tiger space program were to trigger another "Sputnik" response from the United States. Unfortunately, I don't think that will happen. The current mainland Chinese government is focused on aggressively modernizing it's military. This most likely precludes the development of a heavy lift launch vehicle capable of supporting manned lunar operations, to say nothing of the follow on.
From my point of view, that's too bad, for if the feeble attempt were made, we might just see the re-emergence of the U.S. Space Program we all hope for.

On a lighter note:
Following Bowsers's link indicates that the PRC is developing zero-gee Chinese cuisine.

After eating stabilized "spaghetti with meat sauce" for a few weeks, that would sound like a miracle.