China has made its mark in the space race with the success of its first lunar probe.

The country's leaders are celebrating as images from Chang-e 1 were sent back from the moon.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said: "The full success of China's first lunar exploration opens a new page in the history of our country's space exploration.

"The Chinese nation is fully competent to stand among the most advanced nations in the world."

The premier said that the lunar probe was the third milestone in China's space exploration, following the success of man-made satellites and manned space flights.

Sun Laiyan, the chief of China's National Space Administration, denied suggestions that China would send a man to the moon.

"I've read reports by foreign media saying that China would carry a manned moon landing in 2020," he said. "But I don't think there has been such a plan."

The launch of Chang-e 1 last month closely followed the start of a similar mission by Japan, prompting speculation over a new space race in Asia. India too, plans to launch a lunar probe in April.

However, Chinese officials have played down talk of such competition, saying Beijing wanted to use its program to work with other countries and hopes to join in building the International Space Station.

In 2003, China became only the third country in the world after the United States and Russia to send a human into orbit, following that up with a two-man mission in 2005.

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