BEIJING: Commemorative flag of 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, which was carried into space was displayed at an exhibition in China.

 ‘Dreaming of Universe and Asking Sky: 30 Years of China’s Manned Spaceflight Achievement Exhibition’ was recently held in West Hall of National Museum of China, featuring an impressive collection of items that highlight China’s success in space exploration.

Of particular interest is the commemorative flag on display, which celebrates 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

This flag was carried into space by Shenzhou-12 spacecraft on June 17, 2021 and spent three months orbiting earth before returning to earth. It serves as reminder of China’s diplomatic ties with Pakistan.

“For Pakistani visitors, seeing flag being presented here was really meaningful, representing not only special relationship between Pakistan and China but also reminding people of long-term cooperation between two nations in aerospace industry. It is fitting tribute to significant contributions that China has made to Pakistan’s space programme over years,” Pakistani vlogger, Mahzaib Abbasi, who was shooting vlog at exhibition told China Economic Net.

Since 1990s, China and Pakistan have had strong relationship in terms of space collaboration, which began with Chinese assistance in launch of Pakistan’s first satellite, Badr-1. In 2019, Pakistan and China signed several space exploration agreements at the second BRI Forum, including one paving way for Pakistan’s first astronaut to go to space. These agreements also established framework for joint ventures in space and development of Sino-Pakistani space committees.

In June of last year, Pakistan sent seven sets of medicinal plant species seeds aboard China’s Shenzhou 14 spacecraft to Tiangong space station, for exposing seeds to cosmic radiation and microgravity in hopes of inducing beneficial mutations in their genes.

“Many of my viewers in Pakistan are interested in China’s scientific developments, especially since ceremony celebrating return of plant seeds from Tiangong last month,” Mahzaib said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 24 2023

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