    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [October 19, 2003]
    [Page 1362]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to President Hu Jintao on China's First
    Human Space Mission
    October 19, 2003

    Dear Mr. President:
        On behalf of the American people, I congratulate you and the Chinese
    people on the successful completion of China's first human space
    mission. I was pleased to learn that Lieutenant Colonel Yang Liwei returned safely to earth. This mission was an historic
    triumph for the Chinese people and a milestone in the continued
    exploration of space.
        The United States of America warmly welcomes the People's Republic
    of China's achievement in becoming only the third country to launch an
    astronaut into space, and wishes you continued success in this endeavor.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this letter.