China Manned Space Engineering Office on Wednesday released footage of the Earth taken by the country's Tiangong space station.
The footage was captured by a camera held by an astronaut in the Tianhe core module of the Tiangong space station, showcasing a backdrop of a blue and green planet occasionally obscured by vast clouds.
The Tiangong space station is now crewed by the Shenzhou-21 mission, which comprises three astronauts sent into space on Oct 31, 2025 for a six-month stay.
The Shenzhou-21 crew consists of mission commander Zhang Lu, along with astronauts Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang. The trio serve respectively as space pilot, flight engineer and payload specialist, representing the three categories of Chinese astronauts currently employed in the country's space program.
China's space station captures mesmerizing views of Earth
African and Chinese officials have called for stronger cooperation to combat corruption and protect investments, as countries seek to expand industrial development and infrastructure projects across the continent.
The call was highlighted at the China-Africa Anti-Corruption Forum in Cairo, where participants discussed governance, enforcement and ways to strengthen cooperation around investment and development projects.
Amr Darwish, an Egyptian parliament member, said corruption remained a major economic challenge for Africa.
"There are no accurate statistics about the corruption levels in Africa but research centers have calculated that corruption costs about 148 billion U.S. dollars annually which accounts to about 25 percent of Africa's GDP," said Darwish.
The scale of the losses threatens resources that could otherwise support infrastructure, public services and industrial growth. The African Union has previously cited estimates of 148 billion U.S. dollars in annual losses to corruption, although the precise cost is difficult to measure.
Darwish also called for closer cooperation between Egypt, China and other African countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, saying China's governance experience could inform efforts to expand infrastructure projects. The initiative is China's global infrastructure and investment program, with Africa among its major recipients of investment and construction engagement.
"Egypt and China cooperating in the Belt and Road with other African countries and friend countries makes it essential to work together and learn from China's experience," said Darwish.
Sabry El Gendy, an adviser to Egypt's minister of local development and an anti-corruption expert, said that awareness campaigns alone were insufficient to address graft.
"The corrupted will not be swayed away by awareness campaigns or training programs. Applying strict laws and imposing tough punishments without exceptions or favouritism will eradicate corruption. China's anti-corruption experience through the Communist Party is way before the Arab and African countries," said Gendy.
The forum underscored the economic importance of accountability as African countries seek investment to expand manufacturing, energy and transport infrastructure. Participants highlighted the need for stronger enforcement and cooperation to curb corruption, protect public resources and ensure that development projects deliver lasting benefits.
China, Africa step up anti-corruption cooperation to protect investments
