China says space mission meant for peace, development

BEIJING — The successful launch yesterday of Shenzhou VI, China’s second manned flight into space, was a peace and development mission for the Chinese people and the rest of mankind, the central government of Beijing has assured the international community.

Wu Dawei, vice minister of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT), sought to squelch international apprehensions over the space exploration program, which raises China’s capability to match other military superpowers like the United States and Russia in the space race.

Wu pointed out China’s development "poses no threat to developing countries" like those in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Philippines is one of the 10-member states of the ASEAN and China is one of its dialogue partners.

"I believe our ASEAN neighbors can be rest assured that China will not seek to predominate," Wu said in a press conference at his office here during the courtesy call of members of the 5th Joint Press Delegation of the ASEAN Countries.

Wu downplayed the military significance of China’s latest space exploration that sent two Chinese astronauts orbiting the earth for the next few days.

"Chinese defense policy is of defensive nature… China’s development serves the interest of peace, development and stability of the region by and large," Wu stressed.

"Actually, we’ve been opposing hegemonism. Our goal is to build a harmonious world," Wu said.

Wu underscored that the space program pursued by the Chinese leadership is part of their five-year development project which was also approved yesterday by the Central Plennum of the Chinese Communist Party.

"That is why we say peace and development is the flavor of the day. I believe this is widely shared in all of China," Wu said.

Wu disclosed that they expect China’s space exploration program to be among the issues that might be raised in this coming ASEAN Leaders’ summit this December to be held in Malaysia.

But no amount of official reassurances, Wu conceded, could totally eliminate suspicions of its neighbors like Japan and the other superpowers of China’s ulterior motives in joining the space race.

"I think words are not enough to convince people. What is more important is action. So we have to show patience if some of our friends have some misgivings," Wu said.

"If we only attribute the successful launch of Shenzhou to the military field, I think it’s not the full picture. It’s only a component of mankind’s endeavor to human development," Wu said.

Before the press conference, Wu preceded over the ceremonial launch of the two-man Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou, which in the Chinese language means "divine land."

The first four Shenzhou missions were unmanned but in 2003, China sent its first astronaut into space to orbit the earth for 21 hours.

At the MOFAT, Wu watched the launch of Shenzhou from the Inuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China’s Gansu Province, from where it will orbit the earth for several days.