Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said it is the Chinese people's persistent aspiration to develop the manned spaceflight technologies for the peaceful exploration and use of the outer space.

"The successful mission marked a milestone and great leap forward of China's space technology development as China became the third country capable of spacewalk," Wen said right after the landing of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft at the Beijing ground control center.

Wen congratulated the taikonaut heroes and all the staff workers, both scientists and military personnel, saying that "it is a new important success in our nation's space technology field, and the country and the people will always treasure up your historical achievements."

The great success will also play a significant role for the development of the country's economy, technology and national defence, as well as for the promotion of national solidarity in country's modernization drive, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2008)