Second manned spacecraft successfully takes off 

Premier hails successful launch of spacecraft

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao speaks at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, after the launch of spacecraft Shenzhou-6 on Oct. 12, 2005. China successfully launched its second manned spacecraft Shenzhou-6 at the launch center Wednesday morning. (Xinhua Photo)

    JIUQUAN, Oct. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday hailed the successful launch of China's second manned spacecraft Shenzhou-6, reiterating China's policy for peaceful use of space.

    In a brief a speech at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, Wen said that China develops space technology purely for peaceful purposes and China is willing to cooperate with other nations in the development of space science and technology.

    The premier said the achievement in the launch of Shenzhou-6 will be recorded in the country's glorious history.

    In his speech, Wen offered cordial congratulation and warm comfort on behalf of the Communist Party Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, to all the scientists, civilian workers and servicemen, "in an exciting moment when the launch of the manned spacecraft Shenzhou-6 which has been long-awaited and attractive to the whole world."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) hugs Wang Yongzhi, chief designer of China's manned space flight program, after the successful launch of spacecraft Shenzhou-6 at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, Oct. 12, 2005.(Xinhua Photo)

    He praised those institutions and individuals for their efforts to carry out the country's manned space program, overcoming all kinds of difficulties and making plentiful achievements.

    China's space program, which is purely for peaceful purposes, is a contribution to human's science and peace, said Wen, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau.

    Shenzhou-6, the country's first multi-manned and multi-day space flight, is the first time for Chinese to conduct space tests with human participation, said the premier.

    He expressed his hope that all the space tests will be well organized and accomplished, so as to reach the goal of a normal operation of the space vehicle and normal return of the Chinese spacemen. Enditem