Guess it depends on the state. China is planning[1] to launch their Mars sample return mission in 2028, and I guess they do care about being first if they can.

Guess it depends on the state. China is planning[1] to launch their Mars sample return mission in 2028, and I guess they do care about being first if they can. [1]: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinas-tianwen-3-mission-could-beat-the-u-s-in-the-race-to-grab-mars-rocks/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/chinas-tianwen-3-...