In a brief a speech at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province, Wen said that China develops space technology purely for peaceful purposes and China is willing to cooperate with other nations in the development of space science and technology.

The premier said the achievement in the launch of Shenzhou VI will be recorded in the country's glorious history.

In his speech, Wen offered cordial congratulation and warm comfort on behalf of the Communist Party Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, to all the scientists, civilian workers and servicemen, "in an exciting moment when the launch of the manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI which has been long-awaited and attractive to the whole world."

He praised those institutions and individuals for their efforts to carry out the country's manned space program, overcoming all kinds of difficulties and making plentiful achievements.

China's space program, which is purely for peaceful purposes, is a contribution to human's science and peace, said Wen, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau.

Shenzhou VI, the country's first multi-manned and multi-day space flight, is the first time for Chinese to conduct space tests with human participation, said the premier.

He expressed his hope that all the space tests will be well organized and accomplished, so as to reach the goal of a normal operation of the space vehicle and normal return of the Chinese spacemen.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2005)