China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts extend New Year wishes in space station

China's Shenzhou-21 crew members extended their New Year greetings in a video released by China Manned Space Agency on New Year's eve.

"This is my second mission aboard China's space station. Each time we fly over our motherland and look down at its vast landscapes and myriad city lights, two lines of a song always come to my mind -- 'I sing of every mountain, I sing of every river.' My heart is brimming with pride and affection. The strength of our country is the source of confidence and support for our journey into space. Here I would like to extend New Year greetings to people across our country. May you carry dreams in your hearts and strength in your steps, and move steadily toward the vast sea of stars ahead," said commander Zhang Lu.

"Recently, we completed a new round of inspections of space facilities. Ensuring the stable operation of our space home is our responsibility and a solemn commitment to our country and people. From earth to sky, we celebrate together at the moment across the country. In 2026, I wish everyone a life as radiant as the rising sun, and a spirit as uplifting as a soaring rocket," said astronaut Wu Fei.

"Sending New Year wishes from space for the first time fills me with excitement. I never imagined that one day I would be conducting experiments in a space laboratory. We will spare no effort to complete every scientific task that embodies the wisdom and dedication of countless researchers. With stars shining together and heaven and earth sharing the same age, I wish people across our country a happy new year and the fulfillment of all their hopes," said astronaut Zhang Hongzhang.

"We are the Shenzhou-21 crew. We wish everyone a smooth journey illuminated by stars in the year ahead. Happy New Year!" the crew said.

On New Year's Day, ground staff at the Astronaut Center of China are remaining at their posts, maintaining constant contact with the astronaut crew on the space station.

China launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceship on Nov 1, 2025, sending the three astronauts to its space station for a six-month mission.

China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts extend New Year wishes in space station

China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts extend New Year wishes in space station

China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts extend New Year wishes in space station

China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts extend New Year wishes in space station

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