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SCMP Reporter

With excitement sky-high, political leaders say it is an ideal chance to promote love for the motherland

The visit of China's first  man in space, Yang Liwei, will raise patriotic fervour to  levels not seen in Hong Kong since the handover, pro-Beijing figures said yesterday.

They believe the national hero's six-day visit, which starts tomorrow, is a golden opportunity to cultivate and consolidate patriotism.

'Definitely, Colonel Yang's visit will once again push our patriotic feelings to a new high, second to 1997 when Hong Kong was returned to the motherland,' said Ma Lik, the secretary-general of the Democratic Alliance for  Betterment of Hong Kong.

Yesterday, the government decided to issue 27,000 more tickets after thousands of people snapped up free tickets for an exhibition at the Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui featuring the Shenzhou V's return capsule. In an unprecedented move, the venue will be open 24 hours a day.

Similar enthusiasm is likely to be repeated today when tickets will be given away for a variety show at the Hong Kong Stadium on Saturday to salute Colonel Yang.

About 40,000 people, including more than 10,000 students, will be waving the national flag to welcome him  to the stadium.

Colonel Yang will be joined by pop singers and performers and it is also understood  the astronaut may even sing with the stars during the show.

In an interview with state television yesterday, Colonel Yang expressed appreciation for the support he had received from Chinese people in Hong Kong, Macau and abroad.

He also had a brief phone chat with Hong Kong writer Louis Cha, whose martial-arts novels are popular among Chinese in the mainland and overseas.

'I have read many of your novels,' Colonel Yang told the novelist.

'I will give you some so you can read them when you go to space next time,' Mr Cha said.

'Sure, I will definitely take them next time,' the astronaut replied.

Mr Ma said the enthusiasm for Colonel Yang's visit was an ideal chance for the government to relaunch efforts to promote patriotism, which had been lacking since the handover.

'Officials still fear that talking about nationalism is too political. But it is outmoded thinking.'

He said that within days, a committee comprising at least 47 organisations, including some business chambers, had been formed to organise Saturday's show. Each of them had been required to contribute a few thousand dollars to join.

Sze Man-hung, a lecturer in education at the Polytechnic University, argued the visit would both improve and hurt the self-esteem of Hong Kong people.

'Colonel Yang's visit will certainly make us more proud of being Chinese. But it is also sad to see the government using this visit to make the public feel that we are doing well,' he said.

Meanwhile, leading mainland rocket scientist Liang Sili was reported yesterday as saying China would be able to put astronauts on the moon within four years.



Astronaut's visit seen as boost for patriotism