China's Shenzhou 23 manned spacecraft launched on June 24, carrying astronaut Lai Ka-ying, marking the first Hong Kong-based astronaut in space. A delegation of over 20 Taiwanese youths led by Lien Sheng-wu—son of former Taiwan KMT chairman Lien Chan—traveled to Jiuquan to witness the launch in person, described as the first direct viewing of a Chinese manned spaceflight by young Taiwanese observers.