New space body welcomes all

The Asia-Pacific region is open to all countries that want to jointly explore outer space, members of Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) said yesterday.

"I hope we can get more members This will happen soon if we allow other countries to benefit more from the organization," said Angsumal Sunalai, chairman of APSCO. The inauguration ceremony of the new seven-member regional space technology body was held at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing yesterday.

As one of the initiators of APSCO, China welcomes more Asia-Pacific countries to join the organization, and nations outside the region to become associate members, said Li Yizhong, minister of industry and information technology.