China’s Space Exploration Efforts and International Cooperation
Press Conference Highlights
On September 21, 2026, the State Council Information Office of China held a press conference in Beijing, focusing on the nation’s space exploration initiatives. Key announcements included the training of two Pakistani astronauts at the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, marking a significant step in international collaboration on China’s space missions.
Details of Astronaut Training
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Pakistani Astronauts: Yang Liwei, deputy chief designer of China’s manned space program, confirmed that the two Pakistani astronauts are set to participate in upcoming missions on the Chinese space station. Their training commenced after being selected as the first foreign astronaut candidates for China’s mission training.
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Upcoming Missions: One of the Pakistani astronauts is slated to join a short-duration mission as a payload specialist.
Achievements in Space Missions
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Li Jiaying (Lai Ka-ying): Yang praised Li Jiaying, the first astronaut from Hong Kong to actively participate in a space mission. She was part of the Shenzhou-23 mission, contributing to scientific research with the Tianyun camera, which was the first payload developed in Hong Kong to reach space.
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Ongoing Missions: The Shenzhou-23 crew, currently aboard China’s space station, has been progressing well with their mission and sent best wishes to ground-based astronauts.
Future of Manned Spaceflight
Yang expressed optimism about expanding the participation of individuals from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao in China’s manned space program. He encouraged young people to consider careers in aerospace and related fields, reflecting a growing emphasis on collaborative efforts in space exploration.
Image Attribution: VCG/Global Times
Source: Global Times
