Beijing, Nov 07: The Chinese government and ruling Communist Party today bestowed the title "space hero" on the country's first astronaut Colonel Yang Liwei at a ceremony which also celebrated it's first manned space flight. Yang, 38, an ace fighter pilot, was also awarded a badge of honour for his space faring merits at the rally organised by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the state council (China's cabinet) and the Central Military Commission.
At the rally attended by top leaders of the country and several thousand others, including space experts, government officials and servicemen, Chinese premier Wen Jiabao announced the decision by the communist party, the Central Government and the military commission to honour Yyang.
Jiang Zemin, chairman of the military commission, presented the certificate of "space hero" and the badge to Yang Liwei.

The CMC, China's top military organisation had given an out of turn promotion as full Colonol to Yang Soon after he returned to Earth on October 16.
Addressing the rally, President Hu Jintao praised Yang and others who contributed to the country's successful manned space programme.
China will work with the international community for peaceful use of outer space, Hu, also general secretary of the CPC central committee, said.
China launched its 'shenzhou-5' (divine vessel-5) manned spacecraft, with astronaut Yang Liwei aboard, on Oct. 15 from Jiuquan satellite launch centre in Gansu province, northwest China.
Bureau Report