China hailed its Chang'e-6 lunar probe mission after the spacecraft touched down on Earth. The Chinese probe carrying samples from the far side of the Moon returned to Earth on Tuesday, capping a technically complex 53-day mission heralded as a world first. "This is exciting news, and we extend our warm congratulations. China is willing to continue working with like-minded international partners to explore outer space as a common territory for all humanity," says Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES