China sent it's first man to space in 2003.
From memory; that was when she was the 6th or 7th biggest economy. To put that further into perspective, the manned space program began in the early 90s, with preceding programs from the 80s. In other words, China started its manned space program back when 70-80% of its population was under the poverty line.
their space programme begain in 1960 with help of ready made rockets from Soviet Russia . They continued their rocket programme backed by strong espionage network ...in 1960-70 during which millions and millions perished during so called" great Leap Forward " ....
It took then 6 decades to achieve success in Space programme ...despite ready made prototypes , technical data , and technology from Russia Pre 1960 and Post 1990 along with espionage programme .
They are jealous of India because we are competing with them within such short period of time ....
Their Space programme is 60 year old and our Programme in mere 30 year old ! so obviously they are jealous ....
More so we didn't have to Beg, Borrow and Steal ....like they have been doing all along .
They are still dependent on Russia for all crucial space , defense technology .....