President Xi's 2025 New Year address inspires Shenzhou-19 crew

China

President Xi's 2025 New Year address inspires Shenzhou-19 crew

2025-01-01 12:35 Last Updated At：01-02 00:07

The Shenzhou-19 crew onboard China's orbiting Tiangong space station said President Xi Jinping's New Year address delivered on Tuesday has inspired them to spare no effort in fulfilling their missions in space.

China launched the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship into orbit on Oct 30, sending a crew of three astronauts -- including the country's first female space flight engineer -- to its orbiting space station for a six-month mission.

The Shenzhou-19 crew members said that they will take practical actions to build China into a space power.

"President Xi mentioned 'the lofty spirit and dreams of the Chinese people to explore stars and oceans' in his New Year message, which is very inspirational for us. As astronauts, we will bear in mind the expectations of President Xi, work hard and keep forging ahead, meticulously fulfill our missions, and manage, maintain and use the space station well, to make new contributions to building China into a space power." said Cai Xuzhe, Shenzhou-19 crew member.

"Over the past two months in orbit, we've conducted a series of experiments and tests, and completed the first extravehicular activity. As an astronaut born in the 1990s, I will make good use of my stay on board, complete missions well, and strive for progress, make this 'space business trip' multifaceted," said Song Lingdong, Shenzhou-19 crew member.

"In the New Year address, President Xi stated that 'dreams and wishes may be far, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit.' As the first female space engineer, it's very special for me to welcome the New Year in space. Thanks to the great new era, we have the opportunity to travel in space. I will definitely do my part well in this relay of the entire Shenzhou family," said Wang Haoze, Shenzhou-19 crew member.

The Shenzhou-19 crew has been in orbit for two months. In 2025, the crew will continue to routinely conduct space science and application experiments and tests, as well as extravehicular activities.

On the New Year's eve, Xi delivered the 2025 New Year address through China Media Group and the Internet, with contents on China's ambitious space program.

Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process

2025-01-04 13:52 Last Updated At：14:07

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that China has the credibility and goodwill to help broker a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expects it to play a bigger role in the region's peace process.

Araghchi visited China from Dec 27 to 28, 2024, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on Dec 28, Araghchi shared his thoughts on China's emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East, including its efforts to broker a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On March 10, 2023, in a joint statement released with China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced that they had reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, marking a milestone in the thawing of their relations.

"It has been more than a year (since the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran). The biggest achievement may be that Iran and Saudi Arabia have started a good process of restoring relations, and both sides are satisfied with the restoration of relations. The restoration of relations has brought benefits to both sides, and this (trend) is still continuing. The two sides have established a good relationship, and (related efforts) are still continuing. Of course, there is still a lot of untapped potential in Iran-Saudi relations, and the restoration of relations between the two countries is a gradual, slow but continuous process. We thank China for its efforts in this regard, and we know that China's help is full of goodwill and the effect is very good," said Araghchi. Araghchi also shared his expectations for China's role in the Middle East peace process in the future.

"We trust China, and we see China's goodwill. China maintains extensive economic and trade relations with all countries in the region, and maintains good and constructive relations with all countries. China is a respected and trustworthy country. I believe that such credibility can allow China to play a political role in the Middle East to help regional countries resolve differences and help them find a peaceful solution. Iran thanks China for its contribution and is willing to continue to cooperate with China," he said.