# space diplomacy

China Signals Hong Kong and Macau Residents May Join Tiangong Crew This Year

China says trainees from Hong Kong and Macau are preparing for possible missions to the Tiangong space station as early as this year, while foreign astronaut selection and training continues on schedule. The declaration is both a technical signal of readiness and a political gesture intended to showcase inclusion and expand China’s role in post‑ISS low‑Earth‑orbit activity.