This book is designed for publication straight after the launch of China?s first manned spacecraft. The precursor mission, Shenzhou, flew unmanned in November 1999, in line with the predictions of ?The Chinese Space Programme - from Conception to Future Capabilities (1998) - the first edition of this retitled book. The East is Red will build on the 1998 title to take account of the first manned flight, which, it is assumed, will take place sometime over 2003-2004. It will also bring the reader up to date with other developments in the Chinese space programme over from 1998 to the manned flight and look forward to China?s future plans and ambitions.
