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Astronauts touch down in Hong Kong

By Louise Ho (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-06 08:02

Astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng and dozens of other members of the Shenzhou VII mission receive a warm welcome on their arrival in Hong Kong on Friday. The pioneering spacemen are on a four-day visit to the region. [China Daily]

HONG KONG -- The astronauts of the Shenzhou VII manned space mission arrived in Hong Kong on Friday morning for a four-day visit, offering words of encouragement to local people as they grapple with the impact of the global economic slowdown.

Led by Zhang Jianqi, deputy commander-in-chief of China's Manned Space Engineering Program, the delegation included astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, as well as commanders of the mission's major engineering systems.

Using Cantonese to greet local people, Zhai said he was "proud to be the man who could fly the highest and run the fastest in China" thanks to the Shenzhou VII mission.

"I hope Hong Kong people can also fly the highest and run the fastest," he said.

Impressed by the hardwork and wisdom of Hong Kong people, Jing gave them words of encouragement at this time of financial downturn.

The astronauts said they could feel the passion and support of Hong Kong people from the moment they arrived.

Jing said he felt touched by the welcome offered by Hongkongers and was impressed by the unique charm of the city.

Zhang revealed that Hong Kong people could have a chance to contribute to the nation's space mission, such as work on China's space station, due to begin in 2011.

At the airport, the delegation was greeted by officials like Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing, and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative RegionGao Siren.

During the next three days visit, the delegation will have exchanges with students, open an exhibition and take part in a variety show before they leave for Macao on Monday.