Re: Sorry to inject a note of cynicism...
Well, if the Chinese ever do plan a mission to land on the moon, there might be a need to go for security reasons real or not in which the DOD feels necessary to keep up with and a close eye on the Chinese. I'm not sure the US wants to be left without a current launcher system capable of moon orbit delivery if the Chinese have one and become successful with a moon program.
You are right, all this is down the road, and the Chinese could have problems with raising the cash for a moon landing program.
SteveS