Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 4th spacewalk

The Shenzhou-20 crew aboard China's orbiting space station completed their mission's fourth spacewalk early on Friday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).

The astronaut trio -- Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie -- worked outside the space station for approximately six hours and completed all assigned tasks at 01:35 Beijing Time, assisted by the Tiangong space station's robotic arm and a ground control team.

Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, tasked with conducting the spacewalk operations, completed the installation of debris protection devices and the inspection and maintenance of external equipment, according to the CMSA.

This is the first time a spacewalk has been performed by two astronauts from China's third group of astronaut recruits.

Up to now, the Shenzhou-20 astronauts have completed four extravehicular activities, making it one of the Chinese crews that have carried out the most spacewalks aboard the orbiting space station.

The crew has stayed in orbit for more than 150 days, carrying out a large number of scientific experiments and technological tests.

The Shenzhou-20 astronauts entered the space station on April 25 for a mission expected to last around 6 months.

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 4th spacewalk

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 4th spacewalk

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 4th spacewalk

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 4th spacewalk

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 4th spacewalk

Shenzhou-20 astronauts complete 4th spacewalk

A Chinese mainland spokesperson has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities of abusing judicial power to silence dissent after Taiwan regional internet influencer Chen Chih-han was indicted.

Zhu Fenglian, spokeswoman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, spoke at a press briefing on Wednesday in response to a question about the prosecution of Chen, better known as "Guan Zhang" or "gym boss."

The New Taipei district prosecutors alleged on January 8 that Chen, who runs a YouTube channel, knowingly used "inflammatory language" during a livestream despite being aware of the channel's large and diverse audience and the likelihood that his remarks would spread widely, according to media reports.

She said the case exposed political manipulation of the judicial system.

"The DPP authorities is abusing judicial means to intimidate and suppress the Taiwan people who support cross-Strait exchanges, attempting to create 'green terror' and restrict the freedom of the Taiwan public. In essence, this serves the separatist agenda and will inevitably face opposition and rejection," Zhu said.

Mainland spokesperson slams DPP authorities over prosecution of internet celebrity