China's Chang'e-7 mission, scheduled for around 2026, is poised to unlock the Moon's mysteries further, checking if there is evidence of water on the South Pole of the Earth's natural satellite, said Wu Weiren, chief designer of the country's lunar exploration project, in a recent interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in Huangshan City, Anhui Province in east China.
Wu, also academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said the ambitious mission could revolutionize future lunar exploration.
"Why will we go to the [Moon's] south pole? Some international peers have launched probes and they think the detected results show the presence of water molecules in the atmosphere above the South Pole. If this is true, then it's possible that water exists in the permanently shadowed regions there, likely in the form of ice, as these areas have not been exposed to sunlight for long time. Whether there is water, and how much it is there, are key questions that concern people and the scientists worldwide," explained Wu.
Wu said if China can find direct evidence of water ice, it will be an extraordinary achievement and Chang'e-7 also has the potential to become the world's first spacecraft to land at the lunar South Pole.
"It would create conditions for long-term human presence on the Moon and lay the foundation for humans to embark on deeper space exploration from the Moon, such as journeys to Mars or other celestial bodies," he said.
Following Chang'e-7, China plans to launch Chang'e-8 around 2028 to test in-situ resource utilization technology on the Moon.
By 2030, China aims to realize a manned lunar landing, and by 2035, to establish the core structure of an international lunar research base.
So far, more than 50 countries and international organizations have already signed cooperation agreements with China on this ambitious project.
China's Chang'e-7 mission aims for groundbreaking water discovery on Moon
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
