Liu Yang, China's first female taikonaut and a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's highest organ of state power, has shared her feelings about the achievements and continued progress of the country's space program.
In a recent interview held on the sidelines of an annual session of the NPC in Beijing, Liu, one of the three crew members of the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022, shared her proud and fulfilling experience as a Chinese astronaut. She highlighted the values encapsulated by the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" spirit, which has been demonstrated by previous generations of Chinese aerospace researchers in achieving milestones amid challenging times.
The "Two Bombs, One Satellite" program refers to China's first atomic bomb, intercontinental ballistic missile, and satellite. In the 1960s and 1970s, more than 17,000 researchers from over 40 institutions under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) dedicated themselves to the program to advance the aerospace development in the country.
"The spirit of 'Two Bombs, One Satellite' is the essence originating from the struggles and efforts of the earlier generation of Chinese aerospace pioneers. Throughout my own career in the aerospace field, we've faced many challenges and obstacles. The dedication and perseverance of all my fellow aerospace workers are a reflection, inheritance and promotion of this spirit," said Liu.
As China plans to carry out a manned lunar landing by 2030, Liu hopes she could return to space and make more contributions to the space program.
"By 2030, we will embark on a manned lunar landing mission, which is both a challenge and an opportunity for us astronauts. I believe it's a dream for every Chinese astronaut. From the first batch to the newly inducted fourth batch of astronauts, we're all actively preparing and training for the future space station and lunar landing missions," she said.
For Liu, both her own participation in spaceflight missions and witnessing others complete their own missions bring her happiness.
"For me, there are two moments of pure happiness. One is when I put on the spacesuit and embark on a mission to space for my country. The other is when I welcome my fellow astronauts back after their successful missions. Seeing them return safely also brings me a unique kind of happiness," she added.
China's first female astronaut on achievements of country's space program
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that UN Security Council actions must not provide legal cover for unauthorized military operations, nor should they heighten tensions or escalate conflict.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Commission.
Kallas shared her views on the situation in the Middle East and commended China's active diplomatic mediation efforts to ease the situation, including the latest five-point joint initiative issued by China and Pakistan for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East.
The European side has not been involved in this war but has suffered from its spillover effects, she said, expressing hope for swiftly de-escalating the war and resuming dialogue and negotiations.
The European side supports UN humanitarian operations, the protection of civilians and non-military targets, and will make every effort to ensure the opening of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, she said.
Wang said that amid the current international turmoil, it is the shared responsibility of China and Europe to step up communication and exchanges, and to uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order based on international law.
Wang elaborated on China's principled position on the Middle East situation, noting that the five-point initiative proposed by China and Pakistan reflects a broad international consensus, whose core elements include a cessation of hostilities, the start of peace talks as soon as possible, ensuring the security of non-military targets and security of shipping lanes, and safeguarding the primacy of the UN Charter.
A ceasefire and an end to hostilities are the strong call of the international community, and also the fundamental solution to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Wang said, adding that all parties should build greater consensus and create the necessary conditions to that end.
The UN Security Council actions should focus on cooling down the situation and de-escalating tensions, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to maintain communication and cooperation with the European side to promote an early end to hostilities and restore regional peace.
The two sides also exchanged views on China-EU relations. Wang said that China's development represents opportunities for Europe, and that the challenges Europe faces do not originate from China. Protectionism does not enhance competitiveness, and decoupling from China means decoupling from opportunities, Wang said, expressing hope that the European side will develop a comprehensive and objective perception of China and maintain the correct direction of China-EU relations.
Kallas said that the European side views China as an important cooperation partner, does not seek decoupling from China, and looks forward to maintaining dialogue and communication between the two sides.
Chinese FM says UN Security Council actions should not legitimize unauthorized military operations
