In the early hours of November 30th, Major General Fei Junlong, commander of the Shenzhou XV mission, completed preparatory work for around two hours before opening the hatch of his spaceship and entering the connection cabin of the Tiangong station. As he floated inside, he was greeted by Senior Colonel Chen Dong, leader of the Shenzhou XIV crew, who warmly welcomed him with a hug.
Following Fei’s entry, Senior Colonel Deng Qingming and Senior Colonel Zhang Lu also moved into the connection cabin, and Chen welcomed them as well. The Shenzhou XV trio then met with the three Shenzhou XIV astronauts in the Wentian lab module, where they embraced each other.
This gathering marked a historic moment for China, as it was the first time two Chinese crews had ever met in orbit. The six Chinese astronauts coming together in the Tiangong station symbolized a major milestone in the country’s space exploration journey.
This significant achievement showcases China’s growing capabilities in space and its commitment to exploring the final frontier. It also highlights the country’s progress in developing its space technology and its determination to become a leading space-faring nation. With this successful mission, China has taken another step forward in its ambitious plans for space exploration and is paving the way for more exciting discoveries and achievements in the future.
The Chinese space station’s two crews stayed together for five days in an orbit about 400 kilometers above Earth. This gathering marked a historic moment, being the first in-orbit meeting of two Chinese crews. From now on, the in-orbit rotation will become a routine procedure as the space station is put into formal operation.
The Tiangong space station, weighing nearly 100 metric tons, is one of the largest space-based structures ever built and deployed in outer space. It consists of the Tianhe core module, the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, and the Shenzhou XV spacecraft, as well as the Tianzhou 5 cargo ship.
The Shenzhou XV crew, according to Ji Qiming, assistant director of the China Manned Space Agency, will stay aboard the Tiangong space station for six months and is scheduled to return to Earth in May. During their time in orbit, they will carry out three to four spacewalks and conduct over 40 scientific experiments and technological demonstrations.
This mission is part of China’s ambitious plans to become a major space power, with plans to build a permanent space station, send astronauts to the moon, and explore Mars. The country aims to complete construction of the Tiangong space station next year and plans to operate it for at least 10 years.
The successful in-orbit meeting of the two Chinese crews marks a significant milestone in China’s space program, demonstrating the country’s technological advancements and growing capabilities in space exploration.
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) is making strides in its space exploration program, as it prepares to train foreign astronauts for missions to the Tiangong space station. In late November, Ji Qiming, assistant director of CMSA, announced that preparatory work was underway for the training of foreign astronauts, and that multiple space science programs selected by the agency, together with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the European Space Agency, were proceeding well according to schedule.
The Tiangong space station, consisting of the Tianhe core module, the Wentian and Mengtian lab modules, the Shenzhou XV spacecraft, and the Tianzhou 5 cargo ship, is one of the largest space-based structures ever deployed in outer space, weighing nearly 100 metric tons. The Shenzhou XV crew, which includes Major General Fei Junlong, the mission commander, will stay aboard the Tiangong space station for six months, conducting over 40 scientific experiments and technological demonstrations, as well as three to four spacewalks. The crew is scheduled to return to Earth in May.
China’s space exploration program has come a long way in the past 19 years. It started with its first manned, single-astronaut mission aboard Shenzhou V and has progressed to multiple astronauts on long-term orbital sojourns. With the successful launch of the Tiangong space station and the training of foreign astronauts, China is cementing its position as a major player in the global space race.
The training of foreign astronauts is a significant step towards international cooperation in space exploration. It provides an opportunity for scientists and researchers from different countries to work together on space-based experiments and projects, and to share their knowledge and expertise. The CMSA’s partnership with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the European Space Agency demonstrates China’s commitment to global cooperation and its willingness to share its resources and expertise with the international community.
The successful deployment and operation of the Tiangong space station is a testament to China’s technological capabilities and its determination to push the boundaries of space exploration. With plans for future space-based structures and continued investment in space research and development, China is poised to make even greater strides in the years to come. As China looks towards the future, its commitment to international cooperation and collaboration in space exploration will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the direction of humanity’s exploration of the cosmos.
China’s commitment to science, technology, and innovation has been central to the country’s national development since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The CPC Central Committee has regarded innovation as the primary driving force for development, and long-term plans have been made for scientific and technological progress in the country.
According to Wang Zhigang, the minister of science and technology, China’s position and role in the global innovation landscape has undergone new changes, and the country is not only an important participant in cutting-edge international innovation but also a significant contributor to the resolution of global issues. He stated in a news conference in June that China’s sci-tech cause has experienced major historic, holistic, and structural changes over the past decade, turning the country into a nation of innovators and helping it blaze a development path that transitions from strong talent and sci-tech capabilities to strong industries, economy, and state.
China has made significant strides in scientific and technological development in recent years. The country’s focus on innovation has led to advancements in areas such as quantum communication, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology. The nation’s space program has also been a source of pride, with the recent successful missions to the Tiangong space station and plans for future missions.
China has demonstrated a willingness to collaborate with other countries in scientific and technological research. The nation has worked with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and the European Space Agency on space-based projects, and it is preparing to train foreign astronauts to fly missions to the Tiangong space station.
China’s innovation strategy has helped it move beyond being a manufacturer of low-cost goods to a nation of high-tech innovation. The country has seen an increase in the number of patent applications, and its venture capital industry has grown. These developments have helped create a more entrepreneurial and innovative culture in China.
The Chinese government has also invested heavily in education and research, with the goal of fostering a new generation of scientists and innovators. The government has established a number of research institutions and universities and provided funding for research projects. The country has also implemented policies to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, such as tax incentives and supportive regulations.
China has made remarkable progress in research and development (R&D) over the years, as reported by Wang, a senior official in the field. From 2012 to 2021, the country’s total investment in R&D increased from 1.03 trillion yuan to 2.79 trillion yuan, demonstrating a significant surge of more than double the amount in just nine years. This development indicates a growing interest and commitment to science and technology in China, which could have far-reaching implications for the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
Moreover, China’s proportion of R&D spending as a share of GDP rose from 1.91 percent to 2.44 percent, highlighting the government’s emphasis on innovation as a driver of economic development. This investment in R&D is also expected to enhance China’s ability to develop new products, improve existing ones, and promote overall technological progress in various fields.
The country’s improvement in innovation is evident from its rise in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index. In 2021, China rose to the 12th position, up from the 34th position in 2012. This ascent is a testament to the country’s commitment to innovation and the progress it has made in terms of intellectual property rights and patent filings.
In 2018, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of innovation as the leading driving force for a modern economic system. He underscored the need for high-quality innovations that would support and accelerate China’s economic growth. As the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi’s remarks highlight the government’s interest in ensuring that China remains a global leader in innovation.
China’s progress in research and development, as well as its rise in the Global Innovation Index, underscores the government’s commitment to innovation as a means of promoting economic growth and global competitiveness. As President Xi Jinping pointed out, the country needs high-quality innovations to achieve a modern economic system, and the government’s emphasis on R&D spending as a share of GDP shows its commitment to achieving this goal. This progress in innovation could have far-reaching implications for China’s future economic growth and global competitiveness.
During a speech, Xi Jinping quoted the Mohist Canon, a classic from the Warring States Period, to emphasize the role of force in moving objects. He then went on to stress the need for improving the quality and efficiency of development and making supply-side structural reform a primary task. He highlighted the importance of building a better-quality supply system as a means of achieving this goal.
Xi also emphasized the importance of science and technology reforms to boost innovation and the role of talented people in achieving this. He stated that the country must expand channels to build a large talent pool.
The Mohist Canon, also known as Mo Jing, was one of the classics from the Warring States Period. According to Wang Xuebin, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, Mohist principles were extracted from people’s work and life experience. The school’s founder, Mo Zi, was born into a poverty-stricken family and was also a craftsman during the Warring States Period.
Wang Xuebin explains that Mo Zi continued to explore and refine scientific theories in the process of continuous implementation. His thought in logic and natural sciences was ahead of other schools of thought back then.
As one of the major schools of thought in the period before the Qin Dynasty, Mohism has two approaches that are quite different from other schools and echo modern values, says Wang Xuebin. The first approach is to value the refinement of scientific theories and the exploration of science and technology, and the second is to focus on teaching students according to their own characteristics, placing a value on vocational education.
Wang Xuebin notes that Mohism’s emphasis on science and technology, as well as moral and intellectual development, is in line with the principles of modern vocational education. Mo Zi can be regarded as the originator of vocational education in China.
Xi Jinping stated that China’s path of scientific and technological innovation is toward the common development of mankind, and it also continues the ancient Chinese tradition of valuing science and technology. Cultivation of innovative talent is a long-term plan of the nation. The contemporary competition among countries is for talent or education. Therefore, China needs to value education, strengthen the foundation of basic subjects, and focus on the integration of vocational education and general education.
Xi Jinping’s speech highlighted the need for improving the quality and efficiency of development and building a better-quality supply system. He also emphasized the importance of science and technology reforms, talented people, and education in achieving these goals. The Mohist Canon, with its emphasis on science and technology, as well as moral and intellectual development, was cited as an example of ancient Chinese tradition that aligns with modern values.
During the 20th National Congress of the CPC, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of innovation for China’s modernization drive. In his report, he stated that science and technology are the primary productive force, while talent is the primary resource, and innovation is the primary driver of growth. Furthermore, he highlighted that education, science and technology, and human resources are foundational and strategic pillars for building a modern socialist country.
Xi Jinping underlined the significance of vocational education as a crucial component of the educational system in China. He emphasized the need to better establish vocational education as a category, and he placed great importance on developing a skilled workforce to drive innovation and growth in the country.
China’s focus on education and innovation has been yielding positive results, as demonstrated by the country’s success at the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition. The Chinese delegation won a total of 21 gold medals and three silvers, topping the medal tally at the event which took place in Austria at the end of November.
President Xi’s approach reflects the importance China places on fostering innovation and talent development to drive its economic and social progress. This is supported by China’s significant investments in research and development, which have increased steadily over the years.
China’s emphasis on vocational education and the cultivation of skilled talent highlights the country’s commitment to building a robust and sustainable economic system. It recognizes the vital role that a skilled workforce plays in driving innovation and economic growth, as well as in promoting social stability and harmony.
As China continues to develop and modernize, it will undoubtedly place even greater emphasis on education and innovation, recognizing them as essential components of its long-term strategic goals. The country’s approach to vocational education and talent development is a testament to its commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable future for all its citizens.
The WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition took place from September to November in 15 countries and regions to replace the canceled WorldSkills Shanghai 2022. In total, 62 events were held during the competition. Chinese competitor Wang Pei won the beauty therapy title, which had previously been dominated by European competitors. For Wang, the victory was a dream come true, and she was proud to keep the Chinese flag flying on the world stage.
Wang attributes her success to traditional Chinese medicine, which she learned from a professor and integrated into her massage technique during the sports massage event. Wang’s technique caught the attention of the judges, who watched and recorded her performance. She believes that traditional Chinese medicine has the potential to go global and become an integral part of modern-day beauty therapy.
As a future teacher, Wang hopes to pass on her skills and knowledge to younger generations. She also plans to continue her studies of traditional Chinese culture and incorporate her findings into her teaching. Wang sees her role as an important one, where she can not only teach her students about beauty therapy but also impart important cultural knowledge.
Wang’s victory is a testament to China’s growing capabilities in vocational education and skills training. The success of Chinese competitors in the WorldSkills Competition indicates that China is making significant progress in developing its human resources and in integrating traditional Chinese knowledge and skills with modern vocational education.
Overall, the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition was a tremendous success for China and for Wang Pei. As China continues to prioritize innovation, technology, and vocational education, it is likely that Chinese competitors will continue to make waves on the world stage.
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