Though the launch of a previous spacecraft, Tianhe, was recorded as a success, China was criticized on an international stage for allowing the uncontrolled reentry to Earth of part of the rocket that carried it into space.
While the first Tianhe crew are all men, women will be part of future crews, officials have said.
"We are willing to carry out international cooperation and exchanges with all countries and regions worldwide that are committed to the peaceful use of outer space," Ji said, adding that existing cooperation is being expanded with countries including Russia, Italy and Germany along with the"I believe that in the near future, when the Chinese space station is complete, we will see Chinese and foreign astronauts taking on joint missions to the Chinese space station," Ji said.
"The construction and operation of China's space station will raise our technologies and accumulate experience for all the people. It is a positive contribution by China for human exploration of the universe, peaceful utilization of outer space and push forward the building of a community of shared future for mankind," he said.
Once completed, the station will allow for stays of up to six months, similar to the much larger International Space Station.
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