When it comes to sci/tech/space exploration, it is difficult to segregate nationalism or anti-nationalism from the science and technology ambitions. When the Soviets launched Sputnik, it provoked the US to do the same, with a whole bunch of snickering. When the Chinese started their space ambitions, US became more concerned and argumentative. When the Chinese excelled in supercomputing, Obama tried to rally the nation towards unity in science/tech.

Snickering is part of the equation. And counter-snickering with big launches and achievements is also part of the equation.