February 3, 2005 Mr.Sun Laiyan, Administrator of CNSA, attended the 2005 Chinese New Year Celebration and delivered an Opening speech as follows:

Distinguish guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:

First, on behalf of China National Space Administration and myself, I would like to warmly welcome all guests today. According to the Chinese tradition, I would like to convey my new-year greeting, and wish you a happy family and prosperity. 

Last April, China's New Administration appointed me as the Administrator of CNSA. I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for all nations that had sent me congratulation messages. I thank you also for your concern and support to China's Space development and your kind wishes. Currently, CNSA shall continue to be guided by the principle of “mutual respect, cooperation for mutual benefit, peaceful use, and common development". Continue our extensive friendly cooperation with all countries. Based on this principle, we further improved and strengthened our relationship with Russia, Ukraine, France, Germany, Italy, UK and European countries. China and ESA successfully completed the Double Star program and have started the implementation of Galileo Program. We further promoted cooperation with Asia Pacific countries. We are pleased to notice that 4 countries have received government ratification for joining the APSCO. We continued our cooperation with south-south countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria and Venezuela and achieved substantial results. We actively participate United Nations initiative. Last year, I met with NASA Administrator Mr. O'Keef. Both sides expressed willingness to strengthen exchange and promote cooperation.

Looking into the future, space technology, its application and the buoyant scientific development will be the theme of the 21 century. The world's political, economical, scientific and cultural development will be even closer. Global issues that has been obsessing the humanity will find new solutions. However, humanity is facing with even more stronger challenges. The tsunami in Adman Sea (Indian Ocean) brought about devastating effects to costal countries. On behalf of CNSA, I would like to express my sympathy and condolences to these countries for the losses of life and property. To face these natural disaster, a global mechanism for monitoring, early warning and evaluating sudden natural disasters is strongly required. Extensive international cooperation has become an effective means for promoting and popularizing space science, technology and applications for serving the humanity. Space technologies possess great potential in world peace, development and cooperation.

In the future endeavor, CNSA is willing to continue our joint effort with friendly countries of the world to make our due contribution to the peaceful use of outer space, for the human civilization process, and for the progress and sustainable development.

Once again, I thank you very much for your coming today.