China has begun the process of selecting its third batch of taikonauts, or Chinese astronauts. The news was officially announced by the head of the China Manned Space Agency and the nation's first taikonaut, Yang Liwei during a ceremonial event commemorating China's third "Space Day". Our reporter Su Yuting has more.

It's been 20 years since the taikonaut brigade of the Chinese People's Liberation Army was established. Twenty-one taikonauts have since been recruited, in two batches. However, Yang Liwei said there would be as many as 17 to 18 in the third, including women while their qualifications and skill-sets would also differ from previous selections.

YANG LIWEI, CHINA'S FIRST TAIKONAUT HEAD OF CHINA MANNED SPACE AGENCY "The selection process consists of three phases, and we will not only select males, but also female candidates. The taikonauts will be pilots, maintenance engineers and payload scientists. The scope will cover not only pilots from the Air Force of the People's Liberation Army, but also flight engineers, and scientists from related industries, universities and institutions."

During the ceremonial event, Chen Dong, one of the taikonauts chosen for the successful 2016 Shenzhou-11 space mission, shared his experiences with some young people through a video link.

JIAN YIPING, DESIGNER TAIKONAUTS' COMMEMORATIVE COVER "Last January, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee publicized the deeds of all members of the Taikonaut brigade and honored them with the title 'Role Models of Our Times'. It got a positive response from the army, students and other people from all walks of life. The China National Philatelic Corporation has issued special commemorative covers and stamps to honor taikonauts' dedication to the Chinese space industry."

SU YUTING BEIJING "Experts said the new taikonauts should have exemplary skills; the ones selected should excel in their roles, exhibit rich knowledge and be psychologically and physically fit. They are also expected to be outstanding professionals and be capable of working efficiently in space. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."