China to help train foreign astronauts

China will help other countries select and train astronauts to enhance technological exchanges, a senior aerospace official said on Monday.

Wang Zhaoyao, director of China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO), said at a seminar in Beijing that China plans to boost cooperation with other countries in the selection and training of astronauts, the China News Service reported.

The foreign astronauts will fly together with Chinese astronauts in joint training programs, he added.

Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut and also deputy director of the CMSEO, said at the seminar that China will establish a manned space station within 10 years, according to the report.