Following the successful manned flight of Shenzhou 5 in October 2003, China announced plans to send a Chinese woman into space.

Gu Xiulian , president of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF),told a gathering that she put forward the proposal that women should also be trained for space missions after China's maiden manned space trip, it has been accepted by the central authorities, Beijing Youth Daily reported in March 2004.

Subsequent reports have confirmed that a group of female taikonauts will begin full training in early 2005. It is expected that the group will consist of 4 or 5 women.

All are likely to be recruited from the ranks of pilots within the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). China has approximately 150 active female pilots in the PLAAF.

Whilst China has not given firm indications of when they will send a woman into space, Western observers believe the Shenzhou 8 mission, due to be launched in mid 2007 is likely.

In September 2004, Chinese space watchers identified a female taikonaut candidate as experienced Air Force Flight Instructor, Major Guo Liman, aged 32, who may be favourite to make the first flight.