The three astronauts from the Shenzhou VII manned space mission arrive in Hong Kong today for a four-day visit to share the joy of their success with 7 million Hongkongers.

Five years ago, the SAR welcomed the country's first astronaut, Yang Liwei. Two years later, the city hailed Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng from Shenzhou VI.

Today, it's Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng.

China's spectacular development in the astronautic industry is impressive. In a span of only 16 years, it has progressed from unmanned missions to manned ones, from one-man navigating for one day to many men for multiple days, and from conducting experiments inside the cabin to space walks outside the spacecraft, pulling off one breakthrough after another in space technology.

All these feats in space exploration have demonstrated the country's economic and technological prowess and overall strength after 30 years of reform and opening up to the world. They are a manifestation of the Chinese nation's creativity and its confidence in its ability to strengthen itself and move forward.

For more than a decade, China's astronauts have, during their unwavering bid for success, developed what we call a "manned space mission spirit" - a special character that allows them to endure hardship, overcome adversities, solve problems and devote themselves.

This spirit, growing stronger among the people by the day, has become the immense driving force inspiring the entire nation to better itself.

This accomplishment, like the massive progress in the astronautic industry, is an invaluable asset of the nation.

Currently under the attack of the global financial tsunami, many sectors in Hong Kong are facing recession. President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chief Executive Donald Tsang have reminded Hong Kong people time and again that what is most important at this juncture is confidence. Only confidence can bring about unity and help the community steer through the crisis.

It is believed that the arrival of the Shenzhou VII delegation will not only cheer up the city, but also bestow Hongkongers with the courage and confidence to face challenges.

(HK Edition 12/05/2008 page1)