Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and a crew member of the Shenzhou-23 manned flight mission, has generated major excitement in the city.
Even before the official announcement of the astronauts going to space on the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft, one small detail had already fueled widespread speculation, the mission badge featuring the bauhinia flower, a symbol of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee congratulated Lai on becoming a member of the country's fourth batch of astronauts Saturday, after the launch schedule was announced.
"I sincerely thank the country for its trust in Hong Kong SAR, and for its recognition and support of the city's innovation and technology community. I wish the Shenzhou-23 mission every success, as it continues to write a new chapter in China's space achievements," Lee said.
Lai will act as a payload specialist in the Shenzhou-23 mission. Before being selected, she worked in the Hong Kong Police Force. People back home are also hoping to see her operating the Multi Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), a piece of equipment designed in the city and already sent to the space station via the Tianzhou-10 cargo ship.
"I hope our homegrown Hong Kong taikonaut can operate this locally-led scientific payload, and leverage collected data to support China's dual-carbon goals and tackle climate change. We also expect her to capture precise imagery of the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area via our special camera," said Su Hui, leader of the MUSICO project.
Lai's journey into space is also encouraging more international researchers to base their space-related research efforts in Hong Kong.
"It's fantastic. And I think that's correct. It's the right decision, the right direction of travel - having a mixed diversity. I fundamentally believe that Hong Kong can act as a global space sustainability hub for China. Based in Hong Kong, under One Country, Two Systems give it some very strong and unique advantages," said Quentin Parker, director of the Lab for Space Research at the University of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong excited about its first astronaut going to space
Hong Kong excited about its first astronaut going to space
China stands ready to work with Uzbekistan to usher in a new "golden decade" for bilateral relations, as the two sides celebrate the 10th anniversary of the China-Uzbekistan comprehensive strategic partnership, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday during a meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Xi said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, China and Uzbekistan have elevated and upgraded their bilateral relations, reaped fruitful results in cooperation across various fields, and achieved remarkable success in building a China-Uzbekistan community with a shared future.
China is willing to work with Uzbekistan to consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly usher in a new "golden decade" for bilateral relations, he said.
No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China's commitment to deepening China-Uzbekistan friendship remains unwavering, Xi said, adding that China will, as always, support Uzbekistan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions.
He called on the two countries to work together to advance bilateral cooperation.
Both sides should promote the high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and desertification control, and uphold mutual benefit, Xi said.
He stressed the need to speed up the establishment of cultural centers in each other's country, expand cooperation in education and poverty alleviation, and foster people-to-people bonds.
It's important to make full use of the law enforcement and security cooperation mechanism between the two countries, and join hands to fight the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, Xi said.
As the SCO's founding members, China and Uzbekistan should work together to implement the outcomes of the Tianjin Summit, and advance regional development and prosperity, he said.
Mirziyoyev said that Uzbekistan remains firmly committed to developing relations with China and will not change this course amid shifts in the international landscape.
Uzbekistan is willing to work with China to deepen political mutual trust, expand trade and investment, strengthen cooperation in agriculture, transportation, energy, minerals, and science and technology, promote people-to-people exchanges, and fight the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, advancing the further development of bilateral relations, he said.
The Uzbek side firmly upholds the one-China principle, highly values the four global initiatives proposed by President Xi, and stands ready to work with China to advance the SCO development and uphold international fairness and justice, Mirziyoyev said.
Xi arrived in the Kyrgyz capital on Sunday for the SCO Summit 2026 and a state visit to Kyrgyzstan.
China ready to work with Uzbekistan to usher in new "golden decade" for bilateral relations
