In a science popularization activity in Hong Kong on Friday, the young participants talked with the three astronauts currently working in the Tiangong space station, as well as space scientists in Beijing via video links.

The young people's curiosity about space and their longing to explore it were palpable in the questions they asked the astronauts and scientists regarding the experiments they conduct and what it is like living in the space station.

This is the second activity of its kind held in Hong Kong over the past half a year. Space scientists from the Chinese mainland met with young people in the special administrative region in June, bringing them a sample lunar soil a Chinese probe brought back from the far side of the moon.

Different generations of Chinese astronauts, including Yang Liwei, Nie Haisheng and Fei Junlong, have visited Hong Kong since 2003.

In the Chinese people's exploration of the space, Hong Kong, as an inalienable part of the country, not only shares the glory but also contributes its wisdom. In 2016, three experiments designed by Hong Kong students were launched on the Shenzhou XI manned spacecraft. A Hong Kong scientific research team contributed to the Chang'e-5 lunar mission and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission.

In asking the astronauts when the country will select and cultivate astronauts from among young people of Hong Kong, the future generations of the special administrative region were clearly showing their commitment to exploring space and serving the country.

As a matter of fact, the mainland always keeps its door open to the young people from Hong Kong to help them realize their dreams. The SAR is not only a hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, it also occupies a special position in the country's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

The country hopes that Hong Kong can further strengthen its traditional advantages, and cultivate new competitive edges. The peace and stability Hong Kong has regained since the National Security Law of Hong Kong was introduced at the end of June last year has fully proved the country's resolve and ability to create a good development environment for the city.

Space is just one field in which young people in Hong Kong can participate in the country's development. Through the embedding of Hong Kong's development into the national development strategy, the young people from the SAR have acquired a bigger and higher stage for their life and career development.