As millions across China are gathering for family reunions to mark the Spring Festival, the vastness of space is also filled with a strong festive atmosphere. The Shenzhou-21 crew, currently in orbit aboard the Chinese space station, has extended their New Year greetings to the motherland and people.
The crew consists of mission commander Zhang Lu and astronauts Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang. They have spent over three months in orbit, and are all in good condition.
"This is my second time spending the Chinese New Year in space, with a sense of calm and also attachment. We've put up Spring Festival couplets and Fu characters to decorate the space station in vibrant red, full of festive spirit. Looking through the porthole at the twinkling lights of our motherland far below, I miss it and am filled with pride and glory. I wish everyone all the best and peace in the Spring Festival!" said Zhang Lu.
Zhang Lu performed his first spaceflight with Shenzhou-15, where he led a record-breaking number of extravehicular activities (EVAs).
"It's my first time to celebrate the Chinese New Year in space. I feel both fresh and proud! Recently, we successfully completed our extravehicular activities and some other tasks, taking each step with firm resolve. In the Year of the Horse, let's continue to strive for our dreams and work hard for happiness with an enterprising spirit like a galloping horse. I also wish all dream chasers safety, prosperity, and ever-growing success!" said Wu Fei.
The Shenzhou-21 manned spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct 31, 2025. The crew onboard completed their mission's first series of extravehicular activities on Dec 9.
"Spending the Spring Festival in space is the most precious experience for me. Currently, various in-orbit experiments are progressing steadily, and many advancements are encouraging. In the new year, we will continue to explore the heavens, writing new chapters in the vast cosmos. We also wish our motherland prosperity in sci-tech and our people good health. May every effort be rewarded," said Zhang Hongzhang.
The Spring Festival is China's grandest and most representative traditional holiday, marking the beginning of the traditional Chinese New Year. The Year of the Horse will begin on Feb. 17.
"We are in the Chinese space station, wishing all the people luck, happiness and good health in the Year of the Horse!" they said.
Shenzhou-21 crew extend Spring Festival greetings from space station
Israel and Lebanon will formally begin a 10-day ceasefire at 17:00 U.S. Eastern Time (2100 GMT) on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced after his phone calls with the two countries' leaders.
"I just had excellent conversations with the Highly Respected President Joseph Aoun, of Lebanon, and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel. These two Leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries, they will formally begin a 10 Day CEASEFIRE at 5 P.M. EST," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"I have directed Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Rubio, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Razin' Caine, to work with Israel and Lebanon to achieve a Lasting PEACE," he said.
He added that he will invite President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House "for the first meaningful talks between Lebanon and Israel since 1983," expressing belief that peace will be achieved between the two countries.
According to multiple Israeli media outlets, Netanyahu convened the security cabinet by phone to inform them of his acceptance of Trump's ceasefire request.
He told cabinet ministers that the Israeli army would remain in its current positions in southern Lebanon, which Israel defines as a security zone, and that the ceasefire conditions would allow Israeli forces to operate if it detected threats.
The prime minister noted that Israel has two main demands in these talks -- the disarmament of Hezbollah and a lasting peace agreement.
Following Trump's ceasefire announcement, a Hezbollah lawmaker said that the group will monitor Israel's "practical and effective" commitment to halting all hostile actions against Lebanon, following what he described as an Iran-mediated comprehensive ceasefire.
"We call on our people to wait for the actual implementation of the ceasefire, as we are accustomed to Israel reneging on its commitments," Hassan Fadlallah, the lawmaker, told Lebanese broadcaster Al Mayadeen.
Hezbollah sources, quoted by local Al Jadeed TV, said that any proposed ceasefire must include a comprehensive halt to Israeli attacks across all Lebanese territory and must not grant Israel any freedom of movement.
The sources added that the continued Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories grants Lebanon and its people the right to resist.
Israel and Lebanon held their first direct diplomatic talks since 1993 earlier this week in Washington, with both sides agreeing to launch "direct" negotiations after the meeting.
Lebanese health authorities said Thursday that the cumulative death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the country has risen to 2,196, with 7,185 others injured since March 2.
Trump says Israel, Lebanon to begin 10-day ceasefire
