The successful landing of the Chinese Shenzhou VI spaceship was widely hailed by local newspapers in the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Tuesday.

Macao Daily News, the leading local Chinese newspaper, said in its editorial that the completion of the space mission was "another milestone" in the history of the development of China's space technology.

The success was the indicator of the smooth proceeding of China's space plan, said the editorial.

The success will also help boost China's development in sectors of economy, education and science, it added.

Va Kio, another Chinese newspaper, headlined the successful landing of Shenzhou VI on the front-page and covered the congratulation message to the State Council from Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of the MSAR.

Macao Post Daily, an English newspaper, spared the whole of its front page for the successful ending of the Chinese space mission.

The newspaper stressed in its article that the success will fuel the growth of the Chinese economy.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2005)