China launches astronauts into space - as lunar race intensifies

China has launched the Shenzhou 23 rocket into space carrying three astronauts, in a mission that will take Beijing closer to its ambition for a moon landing in 2030.

• China launched Shenzhou 23 rocket with three astronauts aboard
• Mission advances China's goal of moon landing by 2030
• Successful launch demonstrates progress in space technology
• Global lunar race is intensifying