Shenzhou-18 mission commander Ye Guangfu, who set a new record after becoming the first Chinese astronaut to spend more than a year in orbit during his two space missions, shared his pride in carrying out another "sacred mission" while pursuing his spaceflight dreams.
After completing a 192-day stay in space as part of the Shenzhou-18 crew, Ye has now spent a cumulative total of 375 days in orbit - the most for any Chinese astronaut.
Meeting the press in Beijing on Wednesday with the other two Shenzhou-18 crew members, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, Ye reflected on the changes he has observed in China's space program.
"The first change for me is transitioning from exploration to coming home, feeling more warmth and inner peace. The Shenzhou-13 mission marked my initial venture and exploration into space, which filled me with excitement and pride. However, the Shenzhou-18 mission felt more like returning home, back to our space home, with familiar surroundings and a comforting sense of family," said Ye. Ye also highlighted the evolution of the space station itself.
"The second change is our space home's expansion from a single module to a three-module configuration. The environment is more comfortable, but the tasks are more complex. Compared to my previous mission, this one operated in a fully configured, full-mission mode. The module structure, the interior environment, the in-orbit tasks, and the mission modes have all seen significant expansion and improvement. The space station is larger, the environment more comfortable, and there are more opportunities and platforms for scientific experiments," he said.
Reflecting on his personal growth, Ye added, "The third change is my role, from the No.3 astronaut to the commander of Shenzhou-18. The role has shifted, and the responsibility is greater."
Despite these changes, some things remained constant, said Ye.
"What hasn't changed, I believe, is the sacred mission we shoulder, our solemn commitment to the space program, and our unwavering pursuit of the dream of spaceflight," Ye stressed.
Shenzhou-18 mission commander shares pride in pursuing spaceflight dream
Shenzhou-18 mission commander shares pride of pursuing spaceflight dream
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
