Xi lauds progress in space missions

President meets scientists involved in development of Chang'e 5 lunar program

President Xi Jinping encouraged Chinese space industry workers on Monday to strive for successes in the nation's future lunar explorations and carry out interplanetary expeditions with a methodical approach.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged space industry workers to take advantage of China's unique resource-mobilization system, which is characterized by its ability to mobilize all available resources to overcome difficulties and achieve its goals, when they make plans for, and conduct, future space programs.

He also asked them to foster more innovation and growth in the country's space science, technology and application sectors, and strengthen international cooperation to make bigger contributions to the well-being of mankind.