NASA Administrator Statement On China Visit
WASHINGTON -- On October 16-21, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden led a small delegation to China. The following is a statement from the Administrator regarding his visit:"On behalf of the NASA delegation that traveled to China, I want to express my appreciation to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, our hosts for my visit. Our delegation conducted a very comprehensive visit to Chinese human spaceflight related facilities including the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center and conducted meetings with relevant senior officials in the Chinese government.
"I am pleased that NASA was able to meet its objectives for the visit,
which included becoming acquainted with relevant Chinese space
officials and institutions, better understanding Chinese human
spaceflight programs and plans, and reaching a common understanding
of the importance of transparency, reciprocity and mutual benefit as
the underlying principles of any future interaction between our two
nations in the area of human spaceflight.
"I also had an opportunity to meet with my counterpart at the China
National Space Administration to review the ongoing efforts of Space
and Earth Science working groups, established in 2007, to explore
areas of mutual interest.
"Although my visit did not include consideration of any specific
proposals for future cooperation, I believe that my delegation's
visit to China increased mutual understanding on the issue of human
spaceflight and space exploration, which can form the basis for
further dialogue and cooperation in a manner that is consistent with
the national interests of both of our countries."
The full text of the November 2009 U.S.-China Joint Statement is
available online at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov
Source: NASA
