Xi calls for accelerating progress in China’s space endeavors

President Xi calls for accelerating progress in China’s space endeavors and encourage values to boost national confidence.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday urged China’s space industry personnel to maintain their dedication and expedite progress in space exploration.

Xi, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with scientists and engineers involved in the Chang’e-6 lunar mission at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. He emphasized that the success of China’s lunar exploration showcases the wisdom and hard work of multiple generations of aerospace workers, demonstrating China’s significant strides in scientific and technological self-reliance.

Xi called for the promotion of the lunar exploration spirit, which is characterized by “pursuing dreams, daring to explore, teamwork, and win-win cooperation.” He encouraged these values to inspire national confidence and pride, fostering momentum toward building a strong nation and realizing China’s modernization goals.

The Chang’e-6 mission, launched on May 3, successfully returned to Earth on June 25 with 1,935.3 grams of samples from the moon’s far side. Xi highlighted this historic achievement, noting that it marked the first time in human history that lunar samples were collected from this region, demonstrating China’s breakthroughs in key technologies.

Over the past two decades, China’s lunar exploration efforts have focused on core technologies, yielding significant advances in science, engineering, and international cooperation. Xi acknowledged that the program has paved the way for high-quality and cost-effective space exploration, contributing substantially to both China’s space industry and global human space exploration.

Xi also reflected on the 75-year history of China’s space program, which has grown from modest beginnings to make historic leaps forward. He stressed that outer space is a shared domain for humanity and that space exploration is a collective endeavor. China’s lunar missions adhere to the principles of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful use, and cooperation, providing a platform for international collaboration.

Xi urged space industry professionals to remain open-minded, expand international exchanges, share achievements with other countries, and improve space governance to benefit all of humanity. He also encouraged continued research on lunar samples, the pursuit of major space projects, and the comprehensive development of space science and technology.

Additionally, key leaders from the CPC, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, and others, attended the event. Xi and the other officials also viewed lunar samples and an exhibition celebrating 20 years of lunar exploration achievements.