Chinese Shenzhou-18 crew share gripping moments of confronting abyssal darkness during spacewalk

Shenzhou-18 crew members shared their gripping moments of confronting the abyssal darkness during their spacewalk, in an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG).

During the 8.5-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) on May 28, 2024, astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu successfully installed space debris protection devices, among other tasks.

Ye and Li Guangsu were assigned to the spacewalk and safely returned to the station's Wentian lab module after the venture.

This EVA marked the 15th spacewalk by Chinese astronauts during the space station's application and development phase. It was the first spacewalk for Li Guangsu, who operated the station's robotic arms during the EVA.

"I still remember the fear I felt in the shadowed area. On the sunlit side, it was fine -- I could see the space station and the Earth, which made me fell reassured. But once into the shadow zone, if I didn't turn on the light, all I could see below me was an abyss of blackness. Even though my safety tether was securely attached to the handrail on the space station, I didn't dare let go of my hand. I knew logically that even if I released my grip, I wouldn't drift away because my tether was still connected to the space station -- but the overwhelming darkness made me reluctant to take my hand off the handrail," said Li Guangsu.

Although this was Ye's second spacewalk, following his first on the Shenzhou-13 mission, he admitted that the darkness still kept him on high alert every second.

"I felt as if I were about to be swallowed by the darkness. At one point, I accidentally moved my body, and for a moment, I lost my sense of connection with the robotic arm, I was startled. Why? Because beneath me was nothing but an endless black void. In that moment, a wave of nervousness hit me, and I felt my hair stand on end. What was happening? No matter how drowsy I had been, I was instantly wide awake, carefully adjusting my position to ensure I was still on the robotic arm. Only then did I feel at ease. 'Alright, everything is fine,' I told myself, and I continued with my task," said Ye.

Chinese Shenzhou-18 crew share gripping moments of confronting abyssal darkness during spacewalk

Chinese Shenzhou-18 crew share gripping moments of confronting abyssal darkness during spacewalk

Chinese Shenzhou-18 crew share gripping moments of confronting abyssal darkness during spacewalk

Chinese Shenzhou-18 crew share gripping moments of confronting abyssal darkness during spacewalk

Chinese Shenzhou-18 crew share gripping moments of confronting abyssal darkness during spacewalk

China and Japan should enhance mutual trust and cooperation to provide more stability and certainty to the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, Japan, on Friday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and Japan, both with important influence, should work together to build a better future for Asia.

Facing the complex international situation and global challenges, the two countries should enhance mutual trust and cooperation to provide more stability and certainty to the world, he said.

Wang stressed the Japanese side should adhere to principles of the four political documents between the two countries, including the China-Japan Joint Statement, safeguard political and legal foundation for bilateral ties, and earnestly fulfill important political commitments on historical issues and the Taiwan issue.

Ishiba said that Japan fully recognizes the significance of the four political documents between Japan and China, respects the positions elaborated by China, and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China to push forward the development of bilateral relations and deliver more benefits to the people of the two countries.

China, Japan should enhance mutual trust, cooperation: Chinese FM