Xi Congratulates Chinese Astronauts During Space Chat

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday lauded the work of three astronauts building the country's first space station as opening "new horizons" in humanity's bid to explore the cosmos.

Speaking to the astronauts via video link from the Beijing Aerospace Flight Control Centre, Xi sent his greetings to Nie Haisheng, Liu Boming and Tang Hongbo, who blasted off into space on a Long March-2F rocket last Thursday.

He asked the astronauts about their health and working conditions, adding that they were in the hearts of the Chinese people.

"We're in good health. Work is also going smoothly," Nie, the mission commander, replied.

"We, Chinese astronauts, now have a permanent home in orbit. We, in space, are proud of the great party and the motherland."

The two other members, meanwhile, told the country's leader that they are going to conduct a series of experiments and spacewalks over the next three months.

In reply, the president said he's thrilled to see the astronauts doing well and in good shape.

“The building of the space station is an important milestone in China’s space industry and it will make a pioneering contribution to the peaceful use of space by mankind... we await your triumphant return in Beijing,” he added.

This is China's first crewed mission in nearly five years and is seen as a landmark step in establishing Beijing as a major space power.