This is China 's fifth crewed space mission and is scheduled to last 15 days . It is the first high - profile launch since Xi Jinping became president in March . The mission seeks to test technology related to operating a space station . Journalist Katie Hunt wrote and reported from Hong Kong , and CNN 's Zhang Dayu reported from Beijing . China 's march into space reflects its growing financial and military clout .
This is China 's fifth crewed space mission and is scheduled to last 15 days . It is the first high - profile launch since Xi Jinping became president in March . The mission seeks to test technology related to operating a space station . China 's march into space reflects its growing financial and military clout .