Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday hailed China’s latest achievements in space exploration and stressed the importance of aerospace science and technology, while meeting with astronauts Jing Haipeng and Chen Dong and others involved in the Tiangong-2 and Shenzhou-11 space missions.

China is implementing an innovation-driven development strategy, which matters to the country’s future, Xi said, adding that space is an important field of technology progress and innovation, and also a significant symbol of the technological capability of a country. 

"The success China has achieved in space science has greatly encouraged Chinese people's confidence in innovation," he said.

At Beijing's Great Hall of the People, the Chinese president shook hands with the two astronauts and other staff involved in the research and testing of the space missions. Xi spoke with Jing and Chen, applauding their endeavors in space and asking about their health.

“You have done a great job in space,” said the president. “You both look good. How are you feeling?” he asked.

"It is the 32nd day since we returned to Earth. We are in good physical condition and are even able to play basketball now," Jing answered.

In an address after a group photo, Xi said: "More than a month ago, the mission was successfully completed. I spoke with the two astronauts. And just like every one of you, I felt very happy and very proud."

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China’s space program. Over the past 60 years, generations of people have worked hard to realize the dreams of the Chinese people regarding space exploration.

“The success of the Tiangong-2 and Shenzhou-11 missions is a milestone in China’s space cause,” said Xi.

China has made breakthroughs in a number of core technologies in the field of space exploration, through self-reliance and independent innovation, which enabled Jing and Chen to stay in orbit for longer than any previous Chinese astronauts, and helps the country further stake its claim as a space power.

Other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, also met the astronauts on Tuesday.

The Shenzhou-11 spacecraft was launched on October 17 and two days later successfully docked with the Tiangong-2 space lab, where the two astronauts spent 30 days conducting a series of experiments. In April 2017, China’s first cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-1 will be launched to dock with Tiangong-2, which still remains in orbit. China will have its own space station and launch a mission to Mars by around 2020.