Putin in a telegram offered his "sincere congratulations" to Hu, hailing the Chinese space exploit as "an historic event", which symbolised "China's transformation into a modern world power," a Kremlin statement said.

"We are certain that the fully legitimate presence of China among the world's space powers will help to safeguard peace, security and stability in the world, and contribute to the progress of science and civilisation," Putin added.

"Cooperation in the sphere of space between Russia and China is an important aspect of bilateral relations," the Russian leader noted.

China Wednesday launched an astronaut into space aboard the Shenzhou V craft, propelling it into the elite club of countries with manned space programs alongside Russia and the United States.

Yang Liwei safely landed in north China's Inner Mongolia Thursday, following a 21-hour flight in which he orbited the earth 14 times.

China's spacecraft -- Shenzhou V or Divine Vessel V -- is a copy of the Russian spacecraft Soyuz, which the Soviets sent into space 36 years ago.

SPACE.WIRE