International Desk: Humanity’s pursuit of understanding the infinite universe continues without pause, and step by step, remarkable progress is being made. China, too, has emerged as a major force in this journey of exploration.

Following the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft, a new team of Chinese astronauts entered China’s space station on May 25, where they were warmly welcomed by the three astronauts who had spent the previous six months aboard the Tiangong space station.

Among the new arrivals, special attention was given to Hong Kong astronaut Li Jia Ying, who became the first astronaut from outside mainland China to join the country’s space mission. Her achievement is not only the result of personal dedication and perseverance, but also a source of pride for more than seven million Hong Kong residents and a vivid reflection of the success of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.

Observers say the milestone once again demonstrates the vitality and unique advantages of the governing framework.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stated that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan clearly emphasizes the development of a modern industrial system and the goal of establishing China as a leading global space power.

With strong support from the central government, he noted, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has evolved from merely supporting the national space program to becoming an active participant in its implementation. This transformation reflects not only Hong Kong’s growing contribution to China’s space ambitions but also its deeper integration into the country’s overall national development strategy.

Under the framework of “One Country, Two Systems,” both Hong Kong and Macao have been able to overcome geographical limitations and promote greater exchanges of talent. Researchers and scientists from the two special administrative regions are now participating extensively in major national scientific research projects and sharing in the achievements of China’s expanding space program.

Li Jia Ying’s journey toward fulfilling her dream of space travel, analysts say, was nurtured within the fertile environment created by the “One Country, Two Systems” policy.

China’s continued national development has opened broader opportunities for the people of Hong Kong and Macao, enabling them to contribute to major scientific and technological initiatives while realizing their own aspirations and professional value.

The policy has also provided Hong Kong and Macao with unique developmental advantages. While preserving their own characteristics and systems, the two regions have become increasingly integrated into the nation’s broader development agenda.

From earlier cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges to today’s involvement in scientific research and deep-space exploration, the scope of participation by Hong Kong and Macao in national development continues to expand.

The participation of a Hong Kong astronaut in China’s national space mission has also renewed international attention toward the future potential of both Hong Kong and Macao.

China’s space program is widely regarded as a symbol of national unity. Every mission and every launch embodies the shared hopes and aspirations of people across the country, including residents of Hong Kong and Macao.

As a mother of three children, Li Jia Ying said she not only feels deep affection for her family but also a strong responsibility to educate and inspire the next generation.

“Our family is a small family, while our country is a big family,” she remarked. “The love we hold for our small family should naturally become part of our devotion to the larger family of the nation.”

As a resident of Hong Kong, Li has inspired countless young people through her own journey of perseverance and achievement. Her story demonstrates that the dreams and ambitions of Hong Kong and Macao’s younger generations are as limitless as the stars themselves.

With patriotism, dedication, and confidence in the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, many believe Hong Kong and Macao will continue to integrate more deeply into China’s national development and contribute to the country’s future achievements.

As China continues reaching new heights in science, technology, and space exploration, more talented individuals from Hong Kong and Macao are expected to step onto broader stages of opportunity. The shining strength of this institutional framework, observers say, will accompany China’s deep-space exploration and illuminate humanity’s shared journey into the cosmos with a distinct Chinese brilliance.

Source: Anandi, Alim & Swarna, China Media Group (CMG).