CHINA always welcomes cooperation on its space endeavors, as it adheres to the belief that outer space is a common treasure of humanity, and that its exploration, development and peaceful use are common pursuits of all peoples. This belief is reiterated in a blue book released Wednesday by the country’s space industry flagship China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The blue book explains that China’s space industry is always committed to strengthening international exchange and cooperation, and in 2021 has implemented various projects with international partners, including cooperative research and development, facility and data sharing, and application service. Last year saw new progress on space exploration, such as the construction of China’s space station, the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, the discoveries by the 500-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope, and the examination of lunar samples brought back by the Chang’e-5 probe. China expects to complete the building of its space station this year, and has promised to make it a platform for extensive international cooperation, including astronaut selection and training, as well as for joint missions. The construction of a foothold in outer space that can accommodate astronauts and payloads from all over the world is just part of China’s endeavor to promote international cooperation and exchanges on space exploration. China will also work together with countries including Italy, Brazil and Pakistan on satellite engineering and technology, and will welcome international partners to participate in the research and construction of a lunar research station, according to a white paper published a few days before the Chinese New Year (the Year of the Tiger). In the white paper China calls on all countries to work together to build a global community with a shared future in outer space. The international community needs to work together towards that goal. All of these achievements and plans are a major part of China’s new journey into space in cooperation with the international community, and are also important steps in humankind’s exploration of the universe. Faced with an unknown universe full of risks, we can go further only by working together. In Chinese culture, the tiger is a symbol of courage and strength. In the human race’s exploration of the universe, we all need the courage to face the unknown and the strength to overcome challenges. And we can do that much easier if we work together. (Xinhua) | 