Government officials, astronomers and other interested parties in Japan welcomed China's success in putting a manned spacecraft into orbit Wednesday, though some fretted over its military and diplomatic implications.
"I'd like to offer my heartfelt congratulations. I hope the voyage will proceed with full care until it returns safely," remarked Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda.
Fukuda brushed aside fears that Japan, which has no plans to pursue manned space flight, is falling behind China.