Chief Executive of Hong Kong special Administrative Region Tung Chee Hwa sent letters Thursday morning to Chinese President Hu Jintao, Chairman of the Central Military Commission Jiang Zemin and Premier Wen Jiabao, congratulating the motherland on successful launch and return of Shenzhou V spacecraft.

Tung Chee Hwa said that "the successful launch and return of the first Chinese manned spacecraft which has been designed and developed by our motherland marks the milestone of the development of our country's space technology. Over 6.8 million Hong Kong residents are overjoyed on the event."

On behalf of the Hong Kong people, Tung extended warmest congratulations to all the people taking part in the creative work and heartfelt respects to the leaders of the Central Government.

He said the accomplishment demonstrates "our country's increasing national strength." He said he believes that the Chinese nation's grand goal of development will surely be accomplished.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2003)