China has become one of the world's leading players in manned space technology as reflected by its achievements in recent years. Yet the country is still at a learning curve in the face of more advanced aerospace fulfillments, such as long-term space station docking and farther expeditions into deep space.

China does not seek to surpass the US or Russia in aerospace technology. Nor does its development of space technology embed any broader strategic framework competing against the two. China's space development is being carried out in accordance with its capabilities. Even insiders are not aware of any official road map designed for overtaking Western powers. 

However, a consensus has been reached on the significance of development of outer space. People cannot afford to ignore space as another dimension of their living environment.

China, a nation facing many practical development tasks, must strike a delicate balance between sorting out its pressing social issues and securing a strategically advantageous place in the world. It would be shortsighted if any single area is overstressed.

There are abundant reasons for China to boost its input in the aerospace sector.

China is still relatively young in aerospace technology and therefore lacks experience. It is clear in what to do next and enjoys a favorable environment, using the experiences and tried technological advancements already made by the West as a reference.

China needs to cement its strategic gains made during the years. This requires not only complicated capabilities at sea and in the air, but also calls for a stronger presence in outer space.

Human beings might be on the cusp of greater prosperity from deep space development. It seems crucial for China, a nation suffering resource shortages, to tangibly participate in stipulating the rules for space exploration.

Development of outer space could become a pressing issue for China soon. Choices shall be made for the sake of our generation and for those that follow.

But the significance of space exploration does not appear as direct as offering cheap shelters to the public. China is the first developing nation among countries pioneering aerospace development, a position which could court controversy.

The world's first launch of a man-made satellite, the Sputnik, in 1957 by the Soviet Union, was deemed a political signal at the time. But few people back then could ever imagine the popularity of GPS devices today, thanks to space technology.

We have to wait and see what the Shenzhou-9 mission will yield. The three astronauts aboard Shenzhou-9 personify China's long-term space aspirations.