"The successful launch of Shenzhou V is the glory of our great motherland."

-- Chinese President Hu Jintao, after the launch was declared a success.

"As our country's valiant pioneer in space exploration, you shoulder the great expectations of the motherland and the people to realize a dream we have cherished for thousands of years. We look forward to your triumphant return."

-- Chinese President Hu Jintao, at a meeting with China's first astronaut Yang Liwei prior to the launch.

"I will live up to the expectations of the motherland and the people, and will try my best to make every part of the mission successful."

-- Yang Liwei, 38, the first Chinese astronaut in space, before he entered the spacecraft.

"I feel good."

-- Yang Liwei, in his first report from the space 34 minutes after the launch.

"The long-cherished space dream of the Chinese nation has finally come true."

-- Hu Shixiang, deputy director-general of China's manned space flight program.

"While sharing the joy and excitement of all Chinese across the world, the Hong Kong people today can have a better understanding of the saying that 'Hong Kong benefits from every progress the motherland has made'."

--an editorial published on Wednesday's Wen Wei Po, a leading newspaper in Hong Kong.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2003)