BEIJING - An astronomy research center was jointly launched Friday by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Chile.

The center will aim to better explore international astronomical resources and cooperate with other south American countries in the field of astronomy.

Under the name of "China-Chile Joint Research Center for Astronomy", the center will provide a "long-term" and "steady" platform for cooperation among China, Chile and other south American countries.

"Chile has an ideal environment for astronomical observation, which will enable Chinese astronomers to promote astronomical research of south American countries," said Zhan Wenlong, vice president of the CAS, at Friday's launch ceremony.

Zhan added that China is advanced in the fields of theoretical astronomy, numerical simulation research and equipment research and development. This makes it possible to offer talent training and technological support for Chile.

However, the field of observational astronomy remains underdeveloped in China as it lacks a world-class astronomical infrastructure and admirable observational sites.

Zhan noted that the establishment of the center is expected to change China's current astronomical research situation by jointly carrying out cutting-edge observation and technology research.

Chile's ambassador to China Luis Schmidt Montes said that the south American country will obtain 68 percent of the world's total astronomical infrastructure by 2020. The Chile government expects to promote all-out scientific and technology cooperation with China in the field of astronomy.