China unveils latest progress on lunar exploration project

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Wednesday revealed the latest development in its lunar exploration project at an event held in Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province.

The unveiling of the concept video for the international lunar research base has generated great anticipation, showcasing the diverse range of functions of the base.

The project is envisioned as a comprehensive scientific experimental base capable of conducting interdisciplinary and multi-objective research activities focusing on lunar exploration and utilization. It will be capable of long-term independent operation, either on the lunar surface or in lunar orbit.

With the continuous accumulation of its deep space exploration technology and experience,China has developed research directions for deep space and international lunar scientific research stations.

"We were able to reach the moon in the past, but now our main focus is to conduct scientific experiments and exploration on its surface. We used to go to a certain point, but now we aim for extensive and in-depth exploration. Previously, government initiatives took the lead, but now there is a shift towards actively involving commercial space ventures under government guidance. Multiple countries are joining forces and collaborating to conduct exploration together," said Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program.

Wu further explained that the international lunar research base will be constructed in two phases. The first one aims to establish comprehensive scientific facilities with basic functions and essential supporting elements around the lunar south pole by 2035. The second phase plans to build a well-equipped and stable facility of considerable scale around the lunar orbital station by 2045.

"The moon serves as a starting point, and an international lunar research station will provide a platform for long-term scientific research, work and habitation, paving the way for future human exploration into deeper space. It will serve as a technological, material, and intellectual reservoir, preparing us for future missions to Mars and other distant destinations in space," said Wu.

China unveils latest progress on lunar exploration project

A concert by the Royal Opera of Versailles and an opening ceremony of the Virtually Versailles exhibition were held in Hangzhou, the provincial capital of Zhejiang in east China, on Thursday to highlight the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and France.

The concert and exhibition are also part of the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism to promote exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and French people.

The exhibition, which runs from May 2 to Oct 8, uses panoramic images and virtual reality for visitors to experience iconic attractions, century-old collections and important historical moments of the Versailles Palace, a brilliant cultural and historical complex of France.

China and France have also witnessed a surging trend of two-way personnel exchanges in 2024, immigration authorities said on Wednesday.

As of April 30, China recorded 104,000 arrivals of French nationals since the beginning of the year, up almost 295 percent from the same period in 2023, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

The visits were dominantly for business, tourism and family visits, said the NIA.

During the same period, Chinese mainland residents made 130,000 trips to France, an increase of 215 percent year on year, mostly for tourism and business, the NIA said.

The NIA data show that as of April 30, 74,000 visa-free entries had been made by French ordinary passport holders, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the total French nationals entering China.

Versailles Opera concert, exhibition held in Hangzhou to promote China-France exchanges

Versailles Opera concert, exhibition held in Hangzhou to promote China-France exchanges