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SCIO press conference on 'China's Space Program: A 2021 Perspective' white paper

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Beijing Youth Daily:

This white paper is the fifth of its kind published by the Chinese government on the space program. What are the characteristics and highlights of the "China's Space Program: A 2021 Perspective" compared with previous ones? Thank you.

Xu Hongliang:

Thanks for your question. As you mentioned, this is the fifth white paper on China's space program. Structurally, the white paper, with the mainline of building China into a space power, systematically introduces the mission, principles, policies, measures, and ideas of international cooperation on a new journey towards a space power. Consisting of 11 aspects, the white paper summarizes our achievements in space science, space technologies, and space applications over the past five years. Furthermore, it outlines the future development in the next five years. Specifically speaking, it has three characteristics.

First, it fully embodies the concept of high-quality development. The Chinese government has been committed to modernizing space governance. We have been proactive in formulating relevant policies and measures, given full play to a well-functioning government and an efficient market, and created a favorable environment for the growth of the high-quality space industry. In terms of innovation-driven development, we will strengthen original innovation and optimize the environment for innovation by implementing major space programs. In terms of basic capabilities, we will continue to improve its integrated and open industrial system comprising system integrators, specialized contractors, market suppliers, and public service providers, optimize the industrial structure, and further integrate industrialization with information technology. In terms of the development model, we will encourage and support the development of commercial space enterprises, optimize the distribution of the space industry in the national industrial chain, and accelerate the cost-efficient development of space. In terms of governance capacity, we will speed up the formulation of a national space law and work out relevant policies and regulations to promote law-based governance. In terms of talent cultivation, we will implement the guiding principles of the central conference on talent-related work, improve the mechanism for talent cultivation, exchange, and reward, and strengthen the foundation for talent development. In terms of cultural development, we will promote space education, communication, culture, and spirit embodied in space development in order to increase scientific knowledge among the general public.

Second, it serves the country's primary strategic needs. We all know that building a safe, healthy, beautiful, and digital China has become an essential part of China's socialist modernization. China's space industry has always supported national strategic development and continued to improve its efficiency. On the one hand, we will intensify the integration of satellite applications with the development of industries and regions, space information with information technology such as big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, and boost public services with satellites. On the other hand, we will expand the application and transfer of space technology and provide more convenient and high-quality services for all industries and sectors, and the public. We will also expand China's space economy to make a significant contribution to building China's strengths in science and technology, transport, manufacturing, and cyberspace.

Third, it demonstrates a positive attitude of openness and cooperation. For the first time, the white paper proposes that we will build a community with a shared future for mankind in utilizing outer space and be more open and active in engaging in extensive international exchanges and cooperation. First, besides international onboard payload cooperation, we will expand cooperation on mission planning. Second, collaboration will be upgraded from a single product to joint development of complex systems. Third, the application will be expanded from a typical scenario to a comprehensive application in multiple fields. By doing these, space activities can better benefit humanity and promote the progress of human civilization.

That's my answer. Thank you.

Wu Yanhua:

Mr. Xu has already given a very detailed answer. I would just like to add a few points. First, our major space projects are at a juncture between two stages. First, China has developed a long-term plan for its space program. Just now, I introduced the last group of major projects, which were launched 15 years ago and have entered the phases of completion, operation, and application. The Chinese government is planning new major projects and tasks for the next 15 years. Second, as stated in the white paper, China will integrate space science, technology, and applications. In the past, China paid greater attention to space technology. In the new era, we will emphasize advancing technological innovation through space applications and new discoveries in space science to promote sustainable development. Third, we will be more open to international cooperation and collaboration with international partners and counterparts at a higher level and larger projects. For example, as I said, China and Russia will jointly launch an international lunar research station project. It will be an extensive and long-lasting international scientific cooperation project. We welcome the participation of all the countries, international organizations, scientists, and engineers interested in the project. Thanks.