COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— China's manned space program aims to leapfrog the U.S. by deploying advanced spacecraft and in-orbit refueling systems as early as 2016, when American astronauts still may be relying on rides on Russian spaceships.

Wang Wenbao, the head of China's manned space engineering office, disclosed the new details about Beijing's growing exploration ambitions in an interview Wednesday.

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