For the world's space affairs, China seems increasingly skilled at keeping pace with the United States (US) and Russia. Recently, China has just broken a record in sending astronauts into space.
Three Chinese astronauts have left the Tiangong space station and landed safely back to Earth, in Mongolia on Saturday (16/4) local time.
The landing ended the Shenzhou 13 mission, where it became gold ink for the Bamboo Curtain Country. Because the three Chinese astronauts spent about six months in space, which is the longest manned mission so far.
That record surpasses the Shenzhou 12 mission, whose astronauts only stayed in Tiangong for just 92 days last year.
When compared with the US and Russia, the two countries have carried out a manned mission for six months, even NASA astronaut Mark Vande and Roscosmos cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov have just left the ISS after 355 days in space.
But it should be underlined that China is currently only carrying out space missions independently, not joining the International Space Station or the ISS, which is inhabited by many world countries.
Observer of China's space policy from the University of Manchester, Molly Silk, said that China's achievements are proof that they have competence and a space program that cannot be underestimated.
"(China's space mission) increases national pride and encourages young people to pursue science-based careers," Silk said.
China to date has carried out two manned missions, namely Shenzhou 12 and Shenzhou 13.
It doesn't stop there, because China seems like gaspol is building a space 'kingdom' which is scheduled to send the Shenzhou 14 mission in early June.