This image grab made from video animation provided by the Beijing Aerospace Control Center (BACC) shows China's Chang'e 5 probe as it carries out a second braking maneuveur on Nov 29, 2020. (PHOTO / BEIJING AEROSPACE CONTROL CENTER)

BEIJING - China will strengthen international cooperation on space exploration to create a brighter future for humankind, said an official of the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Saturday.

Xu Hongliang, a spokesperson for the CNSA, said at a press conference in Beijing that China has engaged in fruitful cooperation with the international community on the ongoing Mars exploration mission.

China is open to cooperation on the fourth phase of its lunar exploration program, the building of an international lunar research station and the exploration of near-Earth asteroids, according to Xu Hongliang, a spokesperson for China National Space Administration

In the mission, also named Tianwen 1, the CNSA has cooperated with international space organizations like the European Space Agency (ESA) and the national space agencies of Argentina, France and Austria in the fields of monitoring support, payload carrying and scientific research, Xu said.

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"We are in touch with relevant institutions in France, Austria and Russia on the application of Tianwen 1 Mars exploration data and are carrying out cooperation on Mars-probe orbit data exchanges with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and ESA to ensure the safety of Mars probes and satellites in orbit," said Xu.

China is advancing the construction of an "information corridor" for countries along the Belt and Road, and a remote-sensing satellite constellation for the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Xu said, adding that the high-quality space service is conducive to addressing global climate change and the risks posed by near-Earth asteroid impacts.

In addition, China will join hands with Italy, France and Brazil on the development of satellites to promote the sharing and application of satellite data, Xu said.

China is open to cooperation on the fourth phase of its lunar exploration program, the building of an international lunar research station and the exploration of near-Earth asteroids, according to Xu.

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Noting that outer space is the common wealth of humankind, Xu expressed the country's willingness to deepen cooperation with the international community on its peaceful exploration and exploitation.

China has always adhered to the principle of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful utilization and inclusive development in space exploration, said Xu.