China's Shenzhou-20 crewed spaceship successfully docked with the space station combination on Thursday, according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA).
The spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off at 17:17 Thursday (Beijing Time) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
About 10 minutes after the launch, the Shenzhou-20 spaceship separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit.
The docking process took about 6.5 hours, said the CMSA.
The Shenzhou-20 crew consists of mission commander Chen Dong, and astronauts Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie.
They will enter the space station shortly after the docking to assume duties from the three astronauts of the Shenzhou-19 mission.
Shenzhou-20 spaceship docks with space station combination
Shenzhou-20 spaceship docks with space station combination
Shenzhou-20 spaceship docks with space station combination
A Russian State Duma deputy praised the robust ties between China and Russia, voicing firm confidence in the promising future of their bilateral cooperation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a state visit to Russia and to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit underscores the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two nations and their shared focus on historical remembrance and global cooperation.
Russian State Duma Deputy Yaroslav Yevgenyevich Nilov emphasized the strength and future potential of Russia-China relations, highlighting mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared global responsibilities during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Nilov praised the historical and modern-day foundation of Russia-China cooperation, attributing mutual respect and shared development goals as key pillars of the partnership.
"Russian-Chinese relations, in modern times and historically, have developed on the basis of mutual respect and recognition. Examining the history of Russia and China reveals many things in common. You only need to observe the significant growth and strengthening of both economies, particularly due to close cooperation and bilateral relations. Regular exchanges of delegations, international visits and events, the creation of favorable conditions, the opening of new markets for goods, and the expansion of joint production. All these factors contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation. This has a positive impact on key areas such as the labor market, social development, and economic growth, benefiting both Russia and China," Nilov stated.
When asked about President Xi's call to leverage the resilience and certainty of the bilateral relationship, Nilov said that maintaining strong ties requires thoughtful diplomacy and a shared vision for global balance.
"It relates to the prudent stewardship of our bilateral partnership, our shared commitment to advancing progress, fostering development, and reinforcing cooperation with the aim of preserving global multipolarity. Fundamentally grounded in the mutual recognition and respect for each other's sovereign positions, even in instances where perspectives may diverge. We consistently endeavor to maintain a respectful dialog, reasoned discourse, and sustained engagement, both at the political and humanitarian levels. It is precisely through these channels that constructive collaboration between our nations continues to flourish: cultural exchanges are deepening, scientific advancement is being fostered, and resilient trade linkages are being created. Thus, it is evident that all necessary prerequisites exist for the further development and consolidation of relationships within the established paradigm, a framework wherein the previously mentioned objectives are not only achievable but actively pursued. Moreover, I am confident that the ongoing high-level engagements taking place in the Russian Federation, as well as those set to continue following the conclusion of the celebratory events, will serve to further solidify the reinforcement of our bilateral ties and, crucially, the enduring friendship between our nations," said Nilov.
Russian State Duma deputy hails strong Russia-China partnership
