China has selected two Pakistani astronauts as candidates for its space programme, according to the state manned space agency.The agency said in a statement issued on Wednesday that Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Dawood have passed several rounds of selection and will soon go to China for training. One of them is expected to join a future mission to the Tiangong Space Station as a payload specialist, potentially becoming the first foreign astronaut to visit the facility.“Upon completing all training courses and passing relevant assessments, one of them will be selected for the mission crew as a payload specialist to participate in a space flight, becoming the first foreign astronaut to visit a Chinese space station,” the agency said.If the mission goes ahead, it will be the first time a Pakistani civilian will reach Earth’s orbit. The agency described the development as a ‘landmark event’ for China’s space program and a reflection of growing cooperation between the two countries.“This is an iconic achievement of international cooperation on the Chinese space station, and also a successful example of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership taking solid shape in the space field,” the statement said.The agency also stressed China’s desire to expand global involvement in its space efforts.“China’s manned space program will always keep its doors open and welcome all countries to actively participate in scientific experiments and technological tests on the Tiangong space station, as well as cooperation in areas such as astronaut selection and training. Together, we will expand humanity’s understanding of the universe and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind,” the statement said.The selection follows a bilateral agreement signed between the China Manned Space Agency and Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission in February 2025 to jointly train astronauts.