The China Manned Space delegation arrived in Hong Kong for a four-day visit.

Led by China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director General Lin Xiqiang, the delegation comprises astronauts who carried out the mission of constructing the Chinese Space Station, including Liu Boming, Wang Yaping, Chen Dong, Zhang Lu as well as experts from related fields of the manned space engineering systems.

The delegation arrived at Hong Kong International Airport at around noon today. To express Hong Kong people’s warm welcome for the delegation, students greeted them at the airport waving the national flag and the regional flag, applauding and cheering when the delegation entered the arrivals hall.

In the afternoon, the delegation attended a media briefing to introduce the latest developments of the China Manned Space Program and answer questions from the press.

They also attended a welcome banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the evening to meet people from various sectors of the community.

Chief Executive John Lee delivered welcome remarks, noting that the China Manned Space Program has achieved one breakthrough after another over the past 30 years, showing the world how to pursue the dream of space aspirations with “Chinese speed”.

“The achievements you have accomplished have made us as Chinese all profoundly proud and honoured”, he said.

Mr Lee added that he believed Hong Kong people would be thrilled by the visit, while the delegation's introduction of the country's achievements in aerospace technology would enhance a sense of national identity amongst the public, and continue the mainstream values characterised by the love of both the motherland and Hong Kong at the core and in conformity with the principle of “one country, two systems”.

He hoped that Hong Kong youth would seize the opportunity not only to learn manned space-related knowledge from the delegation, but more importantly to gain inspiration from their perseverance, skills and abilities in the face of challenges when contributing to the manned space programme.