Beijing hails Hong Kong astronaut’s selection as result of ‘one country, two systems’

Beijing has hailed the inclusion of Hong Kong’s first astronaut in the Shenzhou-23 mission as the “fruitful result” of the “one country, two systems” framework,…

Beijing has hailed the inclusion of Hong Kong’s first astronaut in the Shenzhou-23 mission as the “fruitful result” of the “one country, two systems” framework, while expressing hope that more young people from the city will be inspired to contribute to the country’s technological development.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning described the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft and the arrival of Hong Kong payload specialist Lai Ka-ying at the Tiangong space station as a “historic milestone” for the country’s manned space programme.

“This is not only another milestone in China’s manned space mission, but also a source of common glory for all Hong Kong people. It is a fruitful result borne out of the practice of one country, two systems,” she said.

Mao added that the development also showed the “strong vitality and significant superiority” of the one country, two systems governing model.

“We believe this space mission will inspire more young people in Hong Kong to contribute their efforts to the country’s technological development,” she said.

Lai, a police superintendent and mother of three, has made history as China’s first female payload specialist.

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