Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday met with representatives of space scientists and engineers who participated in the research and development of the Change-5 lunar mission, at the Grand Palace in People, in Beijing.
Xi, also secretary-general of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, also visited an exhibition on lunar samples brought back by the Change-5 probe and the achievements of lunar explorations in China.
According to him, it is important to promote the spirit of lunar exploration and to make full use of the advantages of the new system of pooling resources and national forces in order to climb the heights of science and technology and serve the overall development of the country.
We must embark step by step on a new journey of interplanetary exploration, promote the innovative development of the cause of Chinese space exploration and make a greater contribution to the peaceful use of space by mankind, he indicated.
Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji, and Han Zheng, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also attended the event.
Mr. Xi had cordial exchanges with some officials and took a group photo with all of them.
According to him, the success of the Change-5 mission marks the conclusion of a three-stage lunar exploration program, namely entering orbit, landing, and returning with samples to Earth. This is another important achievement that highlights the new system of pooling national resources and forces to overcome challenges, and also a vital milestone in China’s space development.
Xi extended his congratulations to all participants in China’s lunar exploration program for the past 17 years. “You have pursued the spirit of lunar exploration, which is characterized by the pursuit of dreams, daring to explore, the coordination of efforts to overcome difficulties, and win-win cooperation, and you have reached new heights in science and technology, ”he noted.
Noting that exploring the vast universe is the common dream of mankind, Xi insisted on implementing the fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration program.
He called for fully exploiting the advantages of the new system of pooling national resources and forces, fostering independent innovation, strengthening comprehensive planning, and working more ardently to promote the innovative development of science, technology, and China’s space applications.
Xi also emphasized the need to actively conduct international cooperation and better contribute to the well-being of mankind.
Since the approval of the lunar exploration program, six exploration missions have been completed. The Change-5 mission was China’s most complicated systemic space project that required the most diverse technologies. On December 17, 2020, the Change-5 probe’s return capsule brought back the country’s first samples from an alien body, laying a solid foundation for future lunar and planetary explorations of China.
