Shenzhou-18 astronaut compares China's manned space program to "relay"

China's manned space program is a "relay" of mission and responsibilities between generations of astronauts, said Li Cong, one of the Shenzhou-18 trio at a press conference Wednesday, when sharing his experience of "joining forces" with crew members of Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-19 in China's Tiangong space station.

During their mission, the Shenzhou-18 crew relayed with other Chinese astronauts twice. On April 26, 2024, the Shenzhou-17 crew welcomed the Shenzhou-18 crew to board the Tiangong space station. Half a year later, On Oct 30, the Shenzhou-18 crew "hosted" the next generation of Chinese astronauts, the Shenzhou-19 crew, at the Tiangong tation, marking the fifth "joining forces" of Chinese astronauts in space.

"The manned space program is a relay. It is the accumulated experiences of multiple missions, and the vitality brought by generations of newcomers, that drive the development of our great cause for a better future. Now, the 'relay baton' is handed to our crew. Standing on the shoulders of giants, our 'starting line' is getting higher, and the challenges are also piling up. As the saying goes, there is no 'best', but only a 'better,'" said Li.

"The two times of 'joining forces' shared similarities. We were handing down responsibilities, missions, and the spirit of the manned space program. But there was a difference: to join forces with the Shenzhou-17 crew, we were taking over the space relay baton of our 'Shenzhou family,' thinking more of how to run our leg of the race well, and were filled with responsibilities and expectations. While joining forces with the Shenzhou-19 crew, we were handing over the baton, thinking how to help them quickly adapt to space life and start working faster, our hearts filled with both hopes and reluctance to leave. Every space meeting with other crews was unforgettable, with the reluctance and sadness when parting, but also the joy and happiness of coming together. This is wonderful. As always, China's space Program is always worth looking forward to," he said.

Shenzhou-18 astronaut compares China's manned space program to "relay"

Shenzhou-18 astronaut compares China's manned space program to "relay"

Claims for departure tax refunds by overseas visitors to China have surged 12.96 times year on year over the past year, signaling robust momentum in inbound tourism spending, according to the latest data from the State Taxation Administration.

The total sales volume eligible for refunds and the actual refund amounts disbursed have both jumped by 9.35 times, the data showed.

The departure tax refund policy, designed to simplify the value-added tax (VAT) refund process for non-resident shoppers, allows eligible overseas visitors to receive their tax refunds on the spot at participating retailers, rather than waiting until departure from designated airport counters.

China has introduced a series of measures since April last year to optimize its tax refund system for overseas visitors.

The policy optimization has included the establishment of immediate tax refund counters in major shopping districts in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Chengdu and Guangzhou. Cities, including Shanghai and Hangzhou, have also introduced online refund options, making the process more efficient.

Nationwide, more than 8,000 retail stores now offer the "immediate refund" option, a more than 100% increase from one year ago.

Industry analysts note that the "immediate refund" mechanism has proven effective in stimulating consumer spending. By receiving refunds immediately after purchase, overseas travelers can reinvest the money into additional shopping or experiences during their stay in China.

China's departure tax refund claims surge 13 times over past year: data