Rocket institute admits to exaggerating facts about engineer who quit

Xi'an Aerospace Propulsion Institute in Shaanxi province, a key rocket engine research arm of the State-owned space giant China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, admitted to exaggerating facts about a former employee who has allegedly joined a private rocket company.

The institute said in a statement published on its website late on Thursday night that it apologizes for the "negative effects" caused by the "misunderstanding and misinterpretation" that were generated by its earlier exaggerations on Zhang Xiaoping's role in the institute's research and development programs.

In the statement, the institute blamed some employees who represent the institute in a labor dispute arbitration involving Zhang's departure for "using inappropriate words and overstating Zhang's role in research and development programs" in a document sent to the Xi'an Labor Dispute Arbitration Committee.