Oct. 12 -- The United States government congratulated China on launching a manned spacecraft into Earth orbit during a successful Wednesday space shot, just two years after making its first foray into the realm of human spaceflight.

"We obviously congratulate China on the successful launch of its second manned space mission," Deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said during a press conference.

"Furthermore we would applaud China and its success as only the third country to launch people into space. Our view is that the peaceful use of space is something that is appropriate and we welcome China's developments in this area." Adam Ereli added.

Saying it reaffirmed the country's place among the space "elite", the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration also hailed China's launch of its second manned space mission.

"China, once again, has demonstrated that it is among the elite number of countries capable of human space flight," NASA Administrator Michael Griffin said in a brief statement.

"We wish them well on their mission, and we look forward to the safe return of their astronauts."