China's successful launching last week of its second manned spacecraft, the Shenzhou 6, coming just two years after its historic first flight, demonstrates that the country's space program is making steady progress. China's goal, obviously, is to become a "space power."
In contrast, Japan's manned space program faces uncertain prospects, due largely to the downsizing of the International Space Station (ISS) project. The nation has yet to establish a long-term program.
Of course, there is a big difference in the two countries' space programs. While China is pushing its space program as an integral part of its military-technology development, Japan is internationally committed to the peaceful use of space. It is hoped, nevertheless, that China's latest launch will stimulate public debate in this country on how to develop its space program.