China believes space resources should be explored and used peacefully on the basis of equality and mutual benefits, mutual complementarity and mutual learning for the benefit of all mankind, Yang said.

"The Chinese government has always maintained that outer space is the shared wealth of all mankind and has consistently advocatedf or the peaceful exploration and use of outer space for the common good and benefit of all human beings," he said.

Yang also said China believes international space cooperation should follow the basic principles embodied in a U.N. resolution of 1996 which was entitled "Declaration on International Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for the Benefit and in the Interest of All States, Taking into Particular Account the Need of Developing Countries."

In developing its space industry, China has always maintained a close and friendly relationship with the United Nations and conducted extensive exchanges with astronauts and space agencies of many other countries, Yang said.

China's space industry is "taking solid and steady steps" in accordance with its own national conditions, he said.

Yang carried out China's first space mission, Shenzhou-5, in October 2003.