China's Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the Tianhe core module Monday morning following a precision nighttime launch that engineers described as "perfect" and "exhilarating".
The Long March-7 Y10 rocket blasted off at 5:34 a.m. from Hainan Province's Wenchang launch site, delivering 6.5 tonnes of critical supplies including new spacesuits and scientific equipment to orbit in record time.
"It's incredibly exciting and exhilarating! The Long March-7 rocket has completed its 10 missions, all ending in complete success," said Zhao Hai, a veteran engineer from the rocket team with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) who has participated in all Long March-7 rocket missions.
"Today the whole process is perfect. It was a zero-window launch, meaning there was no margin for error. All the team members worked tirelessly through the night, remaining fully focused and united to ensure this critical mission was executed flawlessly," he said.
The mission marks another milestone in China's space station program, carrying specialized exercise equipment and two upgraded Feitian spacesuits alongside routine supplies for the upcoming Shenzhou-20 and -21 crews.
CASC engineer Feng Yong noted the growing capabilities of China's cargo spacecraft.
"This time it carried a heavier and greater volume of large cargo. In the future, we'll even develop open-structure cargo ships to transport even larger items," Feng said.
With the Tianzhou-9 now securely docked, engineers have already turned their attention to next-generation spacecraft designs.
"Beyond our routine cargo transport and on-orbit support tasks, we are also conducting new technological and large-payload experimental verifications. These experiments will provide excellent support for our future rendezvous and docking operations," Feng added.
Chinese space engineers hail flawless Tianzhou-9 cargo launch to orbital station
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
