China Manned Space delegation starts Hong Kong visit (with photos/videos)
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The delegation is led by the Deputy Director General of the China Manned Space Agency, Mr Lin Xiqiang. Members of the delegation comprise astronauts who carried out the mission of constructing the Chinese Space Station, including Shenzhou-12 astronaut Mr Liu Boming, Shenzhou-13 astronaut Ms Wang Yaping, Shenzhou-14 mission commander Mr Chen Dong, Shenzhou-15 astronaut Mr Zhang Lu, as well as experts from related fields of the manned space engineering systems.
The delegation arrived at Hong Kong International Airport around noon today. To express Hong Kong people’s warm welcome for the delegation, students greeting at the airport waved the National Flag and the Regional Flag, applauding and cheering when the delegation entered the arrivals hall. The delegation also waved to the crowds in the hall as a token of their appreciation.
In the afternoon, the delegation attended a media briefing to introduce the latest developments of the China Manned Space Program and answer questions from the press.
The delegation also attended a welcome banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the evening to meet people from various sectors of the community.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered welcome remarks. "The China Manned Space Program has achieved one breakthrough after another over the past 30 years, showing the world how to pursue the dream of space aspirations with 'Chinese speed'. The achievements you have accomplished have made us as Chinese all profoundly proud and honoured", he said.
Mr Lee said he believed that Hong Kong people would be thrilled by the delegation's visit, while the delegation's introduction of the achievements made by the country in aerospace technology would enhance a sense of national identity amongst members of the public, and continue the mainstream values characterised by the love of both the motherland and Hong Kong at the core and in conformity with the principle of "one country, two systems". He hoped that Hong Kong youth would seize the opportunity not only to learn manned space-related knowledge from the delegation, but more importantly to gain inspiration from their perseverance, skills and abilities in the face of challenges when contributing to the manned space program of the Chinese nation.
The delegation will meet with teachers and students from local secondary and primary schools for exchanges, and attend a variety show at the Hong Kong Coliseum tomorrow (November 29) to mark Hong Kong's welcoming of the China Manned Space delegation.
Ends/Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:58
Issued at HKT 18:58
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