Chinese President Hu Jintao talked with two taikonauts aboard China's second manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI at the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center Saturday afternoon.

In a special hook up with the space capsule, Hu first extended congratulations and warm greetings to the taikonauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng and asked about their health and work.

"The spacecraft is working well and we are feeling good. All space scientific experiments are carried out as planned," Nie said.

Hu said the successful launch of Shenzhou VI represents another "major" step forward in China's manned space program.

"The motherland and people are proud of you. I hope you will successfully complete your task by carrying out the mission calmly and carefully and have a triumphant return," Hu said.

Fei thanked the president for the support encouragement, promising they will fulfill the mission.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2005)