China launches new internet satellite group

China launched a Long March-12 carrier rocket on Friday in the southern island province of Hainan, sending a group of internet satellites into space.

The rocket lifted off at 07:00 (Beijing Time) from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site. The payloads, the 16th group of low-orbit internet satellites, entered into preset orbit successfully.

Click to Gallery

China launches new internet satellite group

More Images

China launches new internet satellite group

The launch was the 616th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series, according to the launch site.

China will continue supporting South Africa's engagement in Group of 20 (G20) activities, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday.

Guo made the remarks in response to a media query about an announcement of the United States as the G20 presidency in 2026, in which it claimed that South Africa will not be invited to next year's G20 meetings.

"South Africa successfully hosted the G20 Johannesburg Summit last month, which was highly acclaimed by the international community. The G20 has long adhered to solidarity, cooperation, equality and consultation. As a founding member of the G20, South Africa has attended all the G20 summits and has long played an important role in the group. We support South Africa's continued participation in G20 cooperation and look forward to working with South Africa and other G20 members to contribute to upholding multilateralism, promoting world economic growth, and improving global economic governance," Guo said.