China's space station operating stably, demonstrating significant efficacy: report

China's space station is operating stably and demonstrating significant efficacy, according to a report released by the China Manned Space Agency on Monday.

The agency, which compiled the report to "mark the two-year anniversary of the space station's full establishment," said that such a report will be released annually based on the progress of the ongoing space missions.

It is the first report released by China detailing the progress made in scientific research and applications related to the country's space station over the past two years.

The report highlights 34 representative scientific research and application results selected from previously returned samples, research data, in-orbit experiments, and notable progress in scientific and application projects as well as various science promotion activities, showcasing China's capabilities and innovative spirit in the field of space technology.

Of the representative results, 13 are related to space life and human research, 12 are related to microgravity physical science research, and nine are related to new space technology and application research.

As of Dec 1, a total of 181 scientific and application projects had been carried out in orbit, with nearly two tons of scientific materials delivered and close to 100 types of experimental samples returned, generating over 300 terabytes of scientific data and obtaining more than 150 patents.

Notable achievements include the world's first rice and ratoon rice germplasm resources developed in space, and the first human embryonic stem cells differentiated into hematopoietic stem/precursor cells in space.

From 2020 to 2022, China carried out 12 flight missions to build a world-class space station.

The space station features independent innovation, overcoming more than 200 critical technology difficulties, with new technologies and products making up over 90 percent of the project and achieving full independent control of core components.

China's space endeavor has consistently set new records. In 2024, the Shenzhou 18 crew spent 192 days in orbit, breaking the record for the longest single flight time by Chinese astronauts.

Shenzhou 19 crew's extravehicular operations lasted nine hours, setting a world record for the duration of a single extravehicular activity in space.

As Shenzhou 19 crew has been on board China's space station for two months, a new round of material extravehicular exposure tests is set to begin. During the mission, the crew will conduct 86 experiments on space science and technology.

According to a national plan for space science missions and space research from 2024 to 2050 released in October, China aims to implement thousands of scientific and application projects across 32 research themes over the next decade.

"As a national space laboratory, China's space station is designed and equipped with a group of scientific research facilities that meet international advanced standards," said Gu Yidong, the chief expert of space science for China's manned space program.

China's space station operating stably, demonstrating significant efficacy: report

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has described the swift changes in Syria as a surprise to all parties, including former President Bashar al-Assad, while cautioning external powers against interfering in the country's internal affairs.

The remarks follow a dramatic turn of events on Dec. 8 last year when Syrian rebel forces captured the capital, Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia.

In the wake of these events, Araghchi visited China from Dec. 27 to 28, where he held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), which aired on Friday, Araghchi shared his insights on the recent upheaval and outlined Iran's perspective on Syria's future.

"We had known for a few months that the Syrian opposition was organizing forces and planning new military actions. We shared this intelligence with the Syrian government, and, as far as we know, Russia also provided similar information. In any case, we were aware of the potential developments in Syria. However, the situation unfolded so rapidly, and the Syrian army offered no resistance -- something that no one, not even Bashar al-Assad himself, had anticipated," Araghchi said.

He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in helping Syria maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while stressing that Syria's future must be decided by its own people.

"Countries in the region must unite and help Syria establish a broad, inclusive government that represents all ethnic groups and factions. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria must be preserved. Syria should not become a gathering place or safe haven for terrorists, nor should it pose a threat to its neighbors and other countries in the region. This principle is shared by all countries in the region regarding the current situation in Syria. External powers should not interfere in Syria's internal affairs. The future of Syria must be decided by its own people, as they are the true masters of the country and its destiny. Our role is to assist them once they make the right decisions. We hope to see a peaceful, stable Syria, one that is friendly to its neighbors," Araghchi said.

Further elaborating on Iran's position, Araghchi stated that Iran is waiting for Syria to stabilize and announce its new foreign policies.

"We are waiting for the Syrian transitional government to announce its policies toward other countries in the region and beyond, and for the government to stabilize itself. What we are looking at is not superficial changes or slogans, but tangible actions. Our engagement with the Syrian transitional government will depend on its actions. Iran is acting with complete goodwill, and we hope for Syria's stability. We'd like to help Syria achieve stability and ensure the safety of all its communities, including Shiites, Sunnis, Arabs, and Kurds," said the Foreign Minister.

Swift changes in Syria took everyone by surprise: Iranian FM