China holds ceremony to honor Shenzhou-18, Shenzhou-19 astronauts

An awards ceremony for the astronauts of China's Shenzhou-18 and Shenzhou-19 spaceflight missions was held in Beijing on Wednesday.

Astronauts Ye Guangfu (2nd R), Li Cong (1st R) and Li Guangsu (3rd R) from China's Shenzhou-18 crewed mission meet with the press in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Zhang Youxia, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented medals and certificates to Shenzhou-18 astronauts Ye Guangfu, Li Cong and Li Guangsu, and to Shenzhou-19 astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze.

Astronauts Cai Xuzhe (C), Song Lingdong (R) and Wang Haoze from China's Shenzhou-19 crewed mission salute during a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

In January 2025, Ye Guangfu was honored with a second-class aerospace achievement medal, and Li Cong and Li Guangsu were awarded third-class medals and the honorary title of "Heroic Astronaut."

In July, Cai Xuzhe was honored with a second-class medal, and Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze were bestowed third-class medals and the "Heroic Astronaut" honorary title.