Chinese astronauts, expedition team, sailors send New Year wishes through CMG gala

China's Shenzhou-21 astronauts, the 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition team, and sailors aboard the aircraft carrier Fujian sent New Year greetings to the motherland and the Chinese people during China Media Group (CMG)'s New Year Gala, which aired on Wednesday.

"Viewing the high sky and the vast earth, one can feel the boundlessness of the universe. Here, I wish everyone in the new year that all things unfold in harmony with your hopes," said Zhang Lu, Shenzhou-21 mission commander.

"How do celestial bodies such as the sun and the moon interact with each other? How should the stars be arranged in the sky? In the new year, may you carry the spirit of 'Wentian,' daring to face the unknown and pursuing what you truly love," said astronaut Wu Fei.

"The roc will one day rise up with the wind and soar ninety thousand miles up straight. In the new year, may all your dreams come true," said astronaut Zhang Hongzhang.

"Heaven and earth share the same age, the whole nation celebrates together. Happy New Year!" the Shenzhou-21 trio added from China's Space Station.

Looking ahead to 2026, China's 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition team aboard the icebreaker Xuelong expressed their commitment to exploring, protecting, and studying the polar regions. "In the new year, we wish all people across our country a happy new year, and we wish our great motherland prosperity and strength," said the expedition team.

Sailors aboard the Fujian aircraft carrier also sent heartfelt greetings. "Sailing on the vast expanse of the deep blue sea, our hearts are devoted to our magnificent homeland. The lights along the maritime border never go out, and we ride the wind and waves to safeguard peace and harmony. We remain true to our mission and worthy of the nation's trust. Setting sail in pursuit of our dreams and cleaving through the waves, the entire crew wishes our great motherland prosperity and strength, and wishes the people across our country a happy new year," they said.

The gala was broadcast simultaneously across CMG platforms, including CCTV-1, CCTV-3, major radio channels, and new media platforms.

— China Central Television/Reuters