The Chinese Foreign Ministry celebrated the success of the lunar exploration program, marking its 20th anniversary this year.

“Since its launch into orbit on May 3, the Chang’e-6 probe has completed a 53-day lunar exploration mission and successfully returned to Earth,” Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a congratulatory message.

Mao reiterated Beijing’s willingness to continue to work with international partners to explore “the common frontier of humanity” and stressed its commitment to the peaceful use of outer space.

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