China Manned Space delegation concludes Hong Kong visit
1.12.2023

The China Manned Space delegation ended its four-day visit to Hong Kong this afternoon (December 1). The delegation leader, Mr Lin Xiqiang, expressed the delegation's heartfelt thanks to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and Hong Kong people before departing. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, hosted a farewell ceremony for the delegation at Government House before their departure. Mr Lee presented to Mr Lin a photo album portraying the delegation's visit to Hong Kong. At the farewell ceremony, Mr Lee expressed his sincere gratitude to the delegation for accepting the invitation to visit Hong Kong, which allowed Hong Kong citizens to experience the country's determination to realise the dream of space, and feel proud of the country's extraordinary achievements in aerospace technology. The visit also helped sow three seeds of strengthening national pride, exploring science and technology and inspiring people in the community to follow their dreams. Mr Lee said Hong Kong people, himself included, all hope that the dream of a local astronaut can come true, which could inject Hong Kong's presence into the nation's aerospace system, towards contributing to building the country into one which stands tall in science and technology. Mr Lin said in the ceremony that the China Manned Space Agency will follow the plan to recruit the fourth batch of astronauts, with a view to obtaining a result by year end to address concerns from Hong Kong people. In addition, the Agency will foster exchanges with Hong Kong's education and technology sectors. He pointed out that the Chief Executive had just likened the impacts of the delegation's visit on Hong Kong's youth as sowing three seeds. The delegation sincerely hoped that these three seeds could sprout, blossom and yield fruits in the hearts of youth, as they will be the new force to build Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. Mr Lin also wished that under the leadership of Mr Lee, the HKSAR Government will usher in a brighter future for Hong Kong. Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Ms Lu Xinning; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Fang Jianming; and the Political Commissar of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Navy Rear Admiral Lai Ruxin, attended the farewell ceremony. HKSAR Government officials also attended, including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak. During the four-day visit, the China Manned Space delegation attended various activities and met members of the public as well as people from different sectors for exchanges, including the innovation and technology sector, as well as teachers and students from tertiary, secondary and primary schools. Furthermore, the delegation attended a variety show to mark Hong Kong's welcoming of the China Manned Space delegation and officiated at the opening of the China Manned Space Exhibition to share with Hong Kong people the joy of the distinguished development of China Manned Space Program. Ends/Friday, December 1, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:50 NNNN