In the wake of the tainted milk powder case, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged on Saturday his government would work hard to make sure that the country produces safe products for both its people and the rest of the world.
"The incident is not over yet ... My government and I will lead our people through this hard journey," said Wen during a question and answer session at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Davos forum in north China's Tianjin Municipality on Saturday afternoon.
"It's not just food or dairy ... We will make the entire 'Made in China' worry-free and reputable products for both the Chinese and the people across the world," said the premier.
As for the tainted milk power incident, Wen said the case not only indicated the country was still weak in production monitoring process, but also reminded the government to attach great importance to enterprises morality, business ethics, and social conscience.
Meanwhile, he made a promise that China will accelerate its pace in upgrading the country's food production industry.
China's food quality has been severely criticized recently, as more than 6,200 infants have developed kidney stones and four were killed after drinking baby formula tainted with melamine. The chemical, which was added illegally, makes the protein content of milk appear higher than it actually is.
After the well-known Sanlu formula's problem exposure, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine conducted a nationwide examination of baby milk powder to find 22 companies whose formulas were tainted.
"China did not intend to cover the truth when the incident happened. Instead, it faced frankly and bravely tried to solve the problem. I believe we will not disappoint the entrepreneurs here, as well as our people and people in the rest of the world," said Wen.
The premier said he was very much moved when he saw in TV Mandelson drink a cup of Chinese milk yesterday to show his trust for made-in-China products. "It is because he not only sees the current days, but the future."
Source: Xinhua
Monday, September 29, 2008
China confident of continued growth as global business elites meet in Tianjin amid financial woes
Though faced with "the most difficult year" for its economy, China on Saturday showed a strong confidence in its sustained, rapid growth, with Premier Wen Jiabao telling a top-grade world economic forum that his country enjoys a favorable development environment as a whole.
"We have full confidence and capability to overcome various difficulties to ensure sound and fast growth of the national economy for an even longer period of time," said the premier while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Davos forum in Tianjin on Saturday afternoon.
And such a growth will be China's "greatest contribution" to the world economy under the current circumstances, said Wen during a brief question and answer session that followed his speech.
The two-day forum, also known as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2008, has drawn some 1,400 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions, most of whom are successful entrepreneurs and high-ranking government officials.
The meeting, second of its kind sponsored by the prestigious World Economic Forum, took place at a difficult time for the world economy, as a financial storm starting from the Wall Street rocked the globe and triggered widespread worries about economic slowdown or even depression.
"It has been an extraordinary few weeks on the financial markets, weeks with consequences across the global economy," said European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, who is also in this north China metropolis to attend the forum, on Friday in a speech to the local European business people.
The costs of this crisis will be felt by all countries, including China through changing stock market sentiment, falling inward investment and a fall in export demand tied to falling consumer spending in Europe and the US, said Mandelson.
The Chinese premier also observed that the world economic environment is getting "tougher and more complex," with "exacerbated financial volatility" and "notable economic slowdown."
And this is just one of many "considerable difficulties" faced by the country, which also needs to address other prominent problems such as domestic price rises, a weak agriculture, energy and resources constraint, poor business management, and hidden problems in the financial sector.
"As I said earlier in the year, 2008 could be the most difficult year for China's economy," said Wen, who also cited natural calamities that struck the country in a row, including heavy snow and sleet storms in January and February and a devastating earthquake in May.
Nevertheless, he stressed that "the economic fundamentals in China remain unchanged" and the economy "is moving in the direction envisaged in the macro-economic control policy."
He listed out "many favorable conditions" for China to maintain its growth, including the rapid industrialization and urbanization process, abundant supply of labor and capital, huge potential of increased domestic consumption and investment demands, a vast domestic market, and improved ability of macroeconomic regulation.
But most of all, the premier's confidence derives from China's adoption of a correct development course, as reflected in the title of his speech: "Reform and Opening-up -- the Eternal Driving Force for China's Development."
"China's changes over the past three decades would not have been possible without reform and opening-up... Reform and opening-up must be carried on through the entire process of China's modernization drive," said Wen.
The fundamental solution to all problems China now faces, including unbalanced growth, pollution and corruption, lies in deepened reform, he stressed.
Applause burst out from time to time in the full-packed Plenary Hall of the Binhai International Convention & Exhibition Center, the meeting's venue, as the participants expressed their approval of Wen's words.
Many of them have come with the hope of finding a platform to pool the wisdom of business leaders and economic masterminds worldwide, to evaluate the impact of the current crisis and propose possible ways out.
They are also interested in what China will do in the face of the crisis, and whether the country could repeat its success in handling the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
"A crisis is often totally unexpected, and it always strikes at the most unlikely links," said veteran Chinese investor Wu Ying. "That's why we are here -- to react to the crisis with innovative methods and approaches of imaginative power."
Asked about his prescription for the current crisis, the Chinese premier emphasized international cooperation and -- more importantly -- confidence, on the parts of economists, entrepreneurs, the public and the state leaders. "At this moment, confidence is even more precious than gold or any currencies," he said.
And some key participants of the forum share China's confidence. Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, predicted on Friday that the world economy will see a slowdown in growth in the next one to three years, but China will remain the fastest-growing economy with a growth rate of seven to eight percent.
Founded four years ago for growing enterprises, even though some of them were just of medium or small size, the forum of the new champions has picked "The Next Wave of Growth" as the theme for the Tianjin meeting.
In the context of the financial woes, this theme appears even more significant, as many people have started to view the new businesses, whose growth is often driven by inspiration and innovation, as a major leading force of the global economic revival.
And more attention was paid to the emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India and China.
The infrastructure improvement in the developing nations has given them more opportunities to embrace new technologies and the new economy, such as bio-techs, which will bring new growth, said Peer M. Schatz, chief executive officer of Germany's Qiagen company.
"These young companies have the potential to list among the Fortune 500 in next five to ten years," said Schwab of the more than 200 new champion companies that have come to the Tianjin forum.
And according to Premier Wen, China is ready to share its development opportunities with these new businesses, and Tianjin, designed to be "the economic center in north China" in the country's development blueprint, could be a perfect starting ground.
"Many of you are from growing enterprises that are most dynamic, competitive and full of development potential. You are welcome to invest in China, to start businesses in Tianjin and to seize the opportunity and pursue greater development," Wen told the forum participants at the opening ceremony.
Source: Xinhua
"We have full confidence and capability to overcome various difficulties to ensure sound and fast growth of the national economy for an even longer period of time," said the premier while addressing the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Davos forum in Tianjin on Saturday afternoon.
And such a growth will be China's "greatest contribution" to the world economy under the current circumstances, said Wen during a brief question and answer session that followed his speech.
The two-day forum, also known as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2008, has drawn some 1,400 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions, most of whom are successful entrepreneurs and high-ranking government officials.
The meeting, second of its kind sponsored by the prestigious World Economic Forum, took place at a difficult time for the world economy, as a financial storm starting from the Wall Street rocked the globe and triggered widespread worries about economic slowdown or even depression.
"It has been an extraordinary few weeks on the financial markets, weeks with consequences across the global economy," said European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson, who is also in this north China metropolis to attend the forum, on Friday in a speech to the local European business people.
The costs of this crisis will be felt by all countries, including China through changing stock market sentiment, falling inward investment and a fall in export demand tied to falling consumer spending in Europe and the US, said Mandelson.
The Chinese premier also observed that the world economic environment is getting "tougher and more complex," with "exacerbated financial volatility" and "notable economic slowdown."
And this is just one of many "considerable difficulties" faced by the country, which also needs to address other prominent problems such as domestic price rises, a weak agriculture, energy and resources constraint, poor business management, and hidden problems in the financial sector.
"As I said earlier in the year, 2008 could be the most difficult year for China's economy," said Wen, who also cited natural calamities that struck the country in a row, including heavy snow and sleet storms in January and February and a devastating earthquake in May.
Nevertheless, he stressed that "the economic fundamentals in China remain unchanged" and the economy "is moving in the direction envisaged in the macro-economic control policy."
He listed out "many favorable conditions" for China to maintain its growth, including the rapid industrialization and urbanization process, abundant supply of labor and capital, huge potential of increased domestic consumption and investment demands, a vast domestic market, and improved ability of macroeconomic regulation.
But most of all, the premier's confidence derives from China's adoption of a correct development course, as reflected in the title of his speech: "Reform and Opening-up -- the Eternal Driving Force for China's Development."
"China's changes over the past three decades would not have been possible without reform and opening-up... Reform and opening-up must be carried on through the entire process of China's modernization drive," said Wen.
The fundamental solution to all problems China now faces, including unbalanced growth, pollution and corruption, lies in deepened reform, he stressed.
Applause burst out from time to time in the full-packed Plenary Hall of the Binhai International Convention & Exhibition Center, the meeting's venue, as the participants expressed their approval of Wen's words.
Many of them have come with the hope of finding a platform to pool the wisdom of business leaders and economic masterminds worldwide, to evaluate the impact of the current crisis and propose possible ways out.
They are also interested in what China will do in the face of the crisis, and whether the country could repeat its success in handling the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
"A crisis is often totally unexpected, and it always strikes at the most unlikely links," said veteran Chinese investor Wu Ying. "That's why we are here -- to react to the crisis with innovative methods and approaches of imaginative power."
Asked about his prescription for the current crisis, the Chinese premier emphasized international cooperation and -- more importantly -- confidence, on the parts of economists, entrepreneurs, the public and the state leaders. "At this moment, confidence is even more precious than gold or any currencies," he said.
And some key participants of the forum share China's confidence. Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, predicted on Friday that the world economy will see a slowdown in growth in the next one to three years, but China will remain the fastest-growing economy with a growth rate of seven to eight percent.
Founded four years ago for growing enterprises, even though some of them were just of medium or small size, the forum of the new champions has picked "The Next Wave of Growth" as the theme for the Tianjin meeting.
In the context of the financial woes, this theme appears even more significant, as many people have started to view the new businesses, whose growth is often driven by inspiration and innovation, as a major leading force of the global economic revival.
And more attention was paid to the emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India and China.
The infrastructure improvement in the developing nations has given them more opportunities to embrace new technologies and the new economy, such as bio-techs, which will bring new growth, said Peer M. Schatz, chief executive officer of Germany's Qiagen company.
"These young companies have the potential to list among the Fortune 500 in next five to ten years," said Schwab of the more than 200 new champion companies that have come to the Tianjin forum.
And according to Premier Wen, China is ready to share its development opportunities with these new businesses, and Tianjin, designed to be "the economic center in north China" in the country's development blueprint, could be a perfect starting ground.
"Many of you are from growing enterprises that are most dynamic, competitive and full of development potential. You are welcome to invest in China, to start businesses in Tianjin and to seize the opportunity and pursue greater development," Wen told the forum participants at the opening ceremony.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese VP pledges support for overseas Chinese entrepreneurs
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Saturday asked government departments to protect legitimate interests of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and create favorable conditions for their investment.
Xi made the remarks here when meeting with representatives of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs.
He said overseas Chinese have made great contributions to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.
As China continues economic reform, more overseas Chinese entrepreneurs are coming back to the country with increased investment, he said, adding that investment has become an important part of China's economy.
Source: Xinhua
Xi made the remarks here when meeting with representatives of the China Federation of Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs.
He said overseas Chinese have made great contributions to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.
As China continues economic reform, more overseas Chinese entrepreneurs are coming back to the country with increased investment, he said, adding that investment has become an important part of China's economy.
Source: Xinhua
Former senior Chinese leader Han Guang dies at 96
Han Guang, former executive secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, died at the age of 96.
An official statement said he died of illness at 5:06 a.m. on Saturday in Beijing.
It described Han as "an outstanding CPC member, a long-tested and loyal Communist fighter, a proletarian revolutionary and an outstanding leader in CPC discipline inspection battlefront".
Source: Xinhua
An official statement said he died of illness at 5:06 a.m. on Saturday in Beijing.
It described Han as "an outstanding CPC member, a long-tested and loyal Communist fighter, a proletarian revolutionary and an outstanding leader in CPC discipline inspection battlefront".
Source: Xinhua
Former senior Chinese leader Han Guang dies at 96
Han Guang, former executive secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, died at the age of 96.
An official statement said he died of illness at 5:06 a.m. on Saturday in Beijing.
It described Han as "an outstanding CPC member, a long-tested and loyal Communist fighter, a proletarian revolutionary and an outstanding leader in CPC discipline inspection battlefront".
Source: Xinhua
An official statement said he died of illness at 5:06 a.m. on Saturday in Beijing.
It described Han as "an outstanding CPC member, a long-tested and loyal Communist fighter, a proletarian revolutionary and an outstanding leader in CPC discipline inspection battlefront".
Source: Xinhua
Vice Minister of Agriculture: China, India not to blame for grain crisis
It is wrong to blame developing nations, China and India for the current global grain crisis.
Niu Dun, vice minister of agriculture, made those remarks Saturday at a seminar on grain security at the ongoing 2008 Summer Davos Forum held in this northern metropolis.
He said an energy shortage and cost increases for agricultural production are the root factors behind the grain shortage.
Developing economies, which include China, have recorded significant deficit in world farm produce trade and increasing export costs. As a result, agricultural production has been adversely affected and farmers incomes squeezed in these nations and regions.
Besides, Niu added, climate changes worldwide caused by the industrialization also impacted global agricultural production.
He noted that the impact of bio-energy development on agriculture should also not be ignored.
The Chinese Government disapproves of producing bio-fuels with maize, soybean and other cereal crops as raw materials.
However, China encourages agricultural wastes and some natural resources to be fully used to produce bio-fuels but not at the expense of forests, rain forests and the ecological system at large, Niu added.
But according to Niu, the nation will not achieve energy security at the cost of grain security.
In rural areas, China makes use of stalks, animal excrement, agricultural wastes and domestic sewage to generate electricity.
Meanwhile, clover and sugar cane have been grown for bio-fuel production, Niu said.
Such renewable energy projects as small hydro power, wind power and solar power plants are being built nationwide, he added.
As a beneficiary of international grain aid 30 years ago, China now exports up to 20 million tons of grain every year, Niu pointed out.
More than 1,500 entrepreneurs, politicians and scholars from 90-plus nations and regions attended the 2008 Summer Davos meeting which was scheduled to be held from Sept. 27 to 28.
Source: Xinhua
Niu Dun, vice minister of agriculture, made those remarks Saturday at a seminar on grain security at the ongoing 2008 Summer Davos Forum held in this northern metropolis.
He said an energy shortage and cost increases for agricultural production are the root factors behind the grain shortage.
Developing economies, which include China, have recorded significant deficit in world farm produce trade and increasing export costs. As a result, agricultural production has been adversely affected and farmers incomes squeezed in these nations and regions.
Besides, Niu added, climate changes worldwide caused by the industrialization also impacted global agricultural production.
He noted that the impact of bio-energy development on agriculture should also not be ignored.
The Chinese Government disapproves of producing bio-fuels with maize, soybean and other cereal crops as raw materials.
However, China encourages agricultural wastes and some natural resources to be fully used to produce bio-fuels but not at the expense of forests, rain forests and the ecological system at large, Niu added.
But according to Niu, the nation will not achieve energy security at the cost of grain security.
In rural areas, China makes use of stalks, animal excrement, agricultural wastes and domestic sewage to generate electricity.
Meanwhile, clover and sugar cane have been grown for bio-fuel production, Niu said.
Such renewable energy projects as small hydro power, wind power and solar power plants are being built nationwide, he added.
As a beneficiary of international grain aid 30 years ago, China now exports up to 20 million tons of grain every year, Niu pointed out.
More than 1,500 entrepreneurs, politicians and scholars from 90-plus nations and regions attended the 2008 Summer Davos meeting which was scheduled to be held from Sept. 27 to 28.
Source: Xinhua
Senior Chinese official: role models needed to promote socialism
Liu Yunshan, a senior official of the Communist Party of China , said on Saturday that more theorists, journalists, publishers and artists should be fostered for better publicity of the socialist ideology and culture.
Outstanding talents in these fields should be promoted to important posts so they can make greater contributions, said Liu, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee.
He made the remarks during a week long seminar which finished in Beijing on Saturday.
The CPC initiated a project five years ago to promote public awareness of the socialist culture and ideology.
Outstanding journalists, for example, should be able to uphold "correct guidance of public opinion" while reporting the truth.
So far 329 talented people have been promoted at their work. They all played a leading role in several publicity campaigns related to natural disasters and the Beijing Olympic Games this year, Liu said.
He added, outstanding theorists, journalists, publishers and artists should make even greater contributions to popularize the value system of socialism.
They should also work harder, be innovative at work, and pay attention to professional ethics to become role models for the general public, he said.
Source: Xinhua
Outstanding talents in these fields should be promoted to important posts so they can make greater contributions, said Liu, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee.
He made the remarks during a week long seminar which finished in Beijing on Saturday.
The CPC initiated a project five years ago to promote public awareness of the socialist culture and ideology.
Outstanding journalists, for example, should be able to uphold "correct guidance of public opinion" while reporting the truth.
So far 329 talented people have been promoted at their work. They all played a leading role in several publicity campaigns related to natural disasters and the Beijing Olympic Games this year, Liu said.
He added, outstanding theorists, journalists, publishers and artists should make even greater contributions to popularize the value system of socialism.
They should also work harder, be innovative at work, and pay attention to professional ethics to become role models for the general public, he said.
Source: Xinhua
Senior official urges discipline officials to serve with loyalty
senior Chinese official on Saturday urged discipline organs of the Communist Party of China to serve the country and people with loyalty and dedication.
Discipline organs at all levels should implement their duties and orders of the Party's central committee by comprehending the Scientific Outlook on Development, said He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
He, also the secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, made the remark at a meeting attended by discipline officials in Beijing on Saturday.
The Scientific Outlook on Development is an important guiding principle for China's economic and social development, which was initiated by the Party in 2003 and written into its constitution during CPC's 17th National Congress in 2007.
He asked discipline officials to earnestly learn the Party's creed and keep loyal to the country by fighting corruptions, protecting people and preventing their family members from illegalities.
The official also urged leaders of various discipline organs to work as role models in learning and carrying out the Party's policies and regulations for other discipline officials.
Source: Xinhua
Discipline organs at all levels should implement their duties and orders of the Party's central committee by comprehending the Scientific Outlook on Development, said He Guoqiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
He, also the secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, made the remark at a meeting attended by discipline officials in Beijing on Saturday.
The Scientific Outlook on Development is an important guiding principle for China's economic and social development, which was initiated by the Party in 2003 and written into its constitution during CPC's 17th National Congress in 2007.
He asked discipline officials to earnestly learn the Party's creed and keep loyal to the country by fighting corruptions, protecting people and preventing their family members from illegalities.
The official also urged leaders of various discipline organs to work as role models in learning and carrying out the Party's policies and regulations for other discipline officials.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese embassy in Italy hosts reception to mark National Day
The Chinese embassy in Italy hosted a reception on Thursday to mark the 59th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, with the participation of senior Italian officials.
Attending the event were near 300 dignitaries, including former Italian Foreign Minister Gianni de Michelis, Chief of the State Police Antonio Manganelli and President Vittoria Manciniof of the Sino-Italian Friendship Association, and representatives of local Chinese-funded enterprises, friendly organizations and foreign diplomatic missions in Italy.
During the reception, the guests extended congratulations on China's 59th anniversary which falls on October 1, highly commenting on the nation's great achievements in economic and social development since its adoption of the policy of reform and open-up in 1978.
The guests hailed the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the successful launch of China's third spacecraft, known as Shenzhou-7.
The guests showed satisfaction with the development of Sino-Italian ties, expressing the willingness to make joint efforts to promote the China-Italy strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation in all fields.
Source: Xinhua
Attending the event were near 300 dignitaries, including former Italian Foreign Minister Gianni de Michelis, Chief of the State Police Antonio Manganelli and President Vittoria Manciniof of the Sino-Italian Friendship Association, and representatives of local Chinese-funded enterprises, friendly organizations and foreign diplomatic missions in Italy.
During the reception, the guests extended congratulations on China's 59th anniversary which falls on October 1, highly commenting on the nation's great achievements in economic and social development since its adoption of the policy of reform and open-up in 1978.
The guests hailed the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the successful launch of China's third spacecraft, known as Shenzhou-7.
The guests showed satisfaction with the development of Sino-Italian ties, expressing the willingness to make joint efforts to promote the China-Italy strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation in all fields.
Source: Xinhua
British media closely follow China's spacewalk
China's first spacewalk Saturday seemed to offer a bright spot for British media, laboring for days under the gloom of the global financial crisis.
The Times online carried a story with the headline "China celebrates its first spacewalk," calling it "the latest milestone in an ambitious program."
Zhai Zhigang, the mission commander, floated out of the orbitalmodule's hatch during the spacewalk, beamed live on China's state television service, CCTV, the story describes.
Tethered to handles attached to the exterior of the Shenzhou-7 spaceship's orbital module, Zhai remained outside for about 20 minutes before returning to the module and closing the hatch behind him.
A fellow astronaut, Liu Boming, also emerged briefly from the capsule to hand Zhai a Chinese flag that he waved before an exterior camera filming the event. The third crew member, Jing Haipeng, monitored the ship from inside the re-entry module.
A story in The Telegraph, headlined "China carries out first space walk," said "the main purpose of the flight was to prepare the technical skills, including the docking of two orbiters together, necessary for the development of a Chinese space station."
"The mission was also considered an essential step towards a manned mission to the moon," it added.
The Guardian said "Zhai Zhigang today became the first Chinese person to walk in space, marking the highlight of his country's third manned mission."
"The maneuver is a step towards China's long-term goal of assembling a space laboratory and station."
China's first manned spaceflight was in 2003. A second flight manned by two astronauts followed in 2005. The only other countries to have launched humans into space are Russia and the United States.
Source: Xinhua
The Times online carried a story with the headline "China celebrates its first spacewalk," calling it "the latest milestone in an ambitious program."
Zhai Zhigang, the mission commander, floated out of the orbitalmodule's hatch during the spacewalk, beamed live on China's state television service, CCTV, the story describes.
Tethered to handles attached to the exterior of the Shenzhou-7 spaceship's orbital module, Zhai remained outside for about 20 minutes before returning to the module and closing the hatch behind him.
A fellow astronaut, Liu Boming, also emerged briefly from the capsule to hand Zhai a Chinese flag that he waved before an exterior camera filming the event. The third crew member, Jing Haipeng, monitored the ship from inside the re-entry module.
A story in The Telegraph, headlined "China carries out first space walk," said "the main purpose of the flight was to prepare the technical skills, including the docking of two orbiters together, necessary for the development of a Chinese space station."
"The mission was also considered an essential step towards a manned mission to the moon," it added.
The Guardian said "Zhai Zhigang today became the first Chinese person to walk in space, marking the highlight of his country's third manned mission."
"The maneuver is a step towards China's long-term goal of assembling a space laboratory and station."
China's first manned spaceflight was in 2003. A second flight manned by two astronauts followed in 2005. The only other countries to have launched humans into space are Russia and the United States.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese president's envoy to attend Guinea's ceremony for independence anniversary
As Chinese president Hu Jintao's special envoy, China's Minister of Land and Resources Xu Shaoshi will attend Guinea's ceremony for its 50th anniversary of independence on Oct. 2 in the country's capital Conakry, a statement from Chinese Foreign Ministry announced here on Saturday.
Source: Xinhua
Source: Xinhua
50 foreign experts given China Friendship Award
The 2008 Friendship Award was held at the Great Hall of the People Saturday morning and 50 foreign experts were given the award by Chinese senior officials.
The Friendship Award, set up in 1991, is China's highest award for foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's economic and social progress.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang and Bai Lichen, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attended the ceremony.
Congratulating the award-winners, Zhang expressed the heartfelt gratitude to them, whose efforts were considered "indispensable" in China's modernization.
Zhang said, since China started reform and opening up 30 years ago, the talent-attracting proceedings had been well established. In this context, the talented foreign experts had "become an important force in China's modernization".
"China will adhere to the opening up policy, actively introduce talents from abroad, and promote international cooperation," Zhang stressed. "China sincerely welcomes foreign experts, overseas Chinese specialists and international friends to make contribution to China's development in any form."
He also pledged to create better working conditions for them and protect their legitimate rights.
"China sincerely hopes the talented people from abroad continue to work as bridges between China and other regions," he added.
Fifty award-winners of this year were from 19 countries, including Australia, Austria and Bulgaria. They mainly specialize in fields of industry, agriculture, resources, environmental protection, education, science and technology.
Source: Xinhua
The Friendship Award, set up in 1991, is China's highest award for foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's economic and social progress.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang and Bai Lichen, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attended the ceremony.
Congratulating the award-winners, Zhang expressed the heartfelt gratitude to them, whose efforts were considered "indispensable" in China's modernization.
Zhang said, since China started reform and opening up 30 years ago, the talent-attracting proceedings had been well established. In this context, the talented foreign experts had "become an important force in China's modernization".
"China will adhere to the opening up policy, actively introduce talents from abroad, and promote international cooperation," Zhang stressed. "China sincerely welcomes foreign experts, overseas Chinese specialists and international friends to make contribution to China's development in any form."
He also pledged to create better working conditions for them and protect their legitimate rights.
"China sincerely hopes the talented people from abroad continue to work as bridges between China and other regions," he added.
Fifty award-winners of this year were from 19 countries, including Australia, Austria and Bulgaria. They mainly specialize in fields of industry, agriculture, resources, environmental protection, education, science and technology.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese premier meets with foreign dignitaries
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Saturday met with three foreign dignitaries in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on the sidelines of the 2008 Summer Davos forum.
The three were Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo, Montenegro Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, and Klaus Schwab, chairman of the World Economic Forum , which founded the Summer Davos, also known as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions.
In his meeting with the Guyanese president, Wen reviewed the fruitful bilateral cooperation since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972.
Guyana was the first country from the Caribbean region to participate in the Summer Davos forum, Wen noted.
This was the second time for China to host this top-grade world economic forum, which attracted some 1,400 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions, mainly entrepreneurs, officials and scholars.
Wen told the guest that China will continue to provide aid for Guyana and enhance bilateral economic cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
President Jagdeo reiterated Guyana's firm adherence to the one-China policy, and thanked China for its support to Guyana's social and economic development. He said Guyana would like to work with China for a stronger bilateral relationship.
While meeting with his Montenegro counterpart, Wen hailed the progress of bilateral ties, and said China would like to enhance people-to-people exchanges and boost pragmatic cooperation between the two sides.
Djukanovic congratulated China on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-7 manned spacecraft on Thursday, as well as the country's tremendous progress over the past 30 years of reform and opening-up.
He said that Montenegro would like to step up high-level exchanges with China and enhance bilateral cooperation in areas like trade and economy, port development and tourism.
He also pledged that Montenegro will continue to follow the one-China policy, and support China's efforts to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In their meeting before the opening ceremony of the Tianjin Summer Davos on Saturday afternoon, Wen told Schwab that the two-day forum has coincided with the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.
"The forum offers an opportunity for the world to better understand China and for China to further integrate into the world," Wen said.
Amid the current global financial turmoil, the international community should enhance communication and cooperation, deal with the challenges together, and promote the steady growth of the world economy, the premier added.
Schwab said that the WEF has maintained a sound cooperative relationship with China for years, and the Summer Davos has become a top-grade business summit of global influence.
He expressed the hope that the constructive discussions about the world economy at this forum could help rebuild confidence in the international community, and push forward the establishment of a truly sustainable global system for economic and social cooperation.
Source: Xinhua
The three were Guyanese President Bharrat Jagdeo, Montenegro Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic, and Klaus Schwab, chairman of the World Economic Forum , which founded the Summer Davos, also known as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions.
In his meeting with the Guyanese president, Wen reviewed the fruitful bilateral cooperation since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in 1972.
Guyana was the first country from the Caribbean region to participate in the Summer Davos forum, Wen noted.
This was the second time for China to host this top-grade world economic forum, which attracted some 1,400 participants from nearly 90 countries and regions, mainly entrepreneurs, officials and scholars.
Wen told the guest that China will continue to provide aid for Guyana and enhance bilateral economic cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.
President Jagdeo reiterated Guyana's firm adherence to the one-China policy, and thanked China for its support to Guyana's social and economic development. He said Guyana would like to work with China for a stronger bilateral relationship.
While meeting with his Montenegro counterpart, Wen hailed the progress of bilateral ties, and said China would like to enhance people-to-people exchanges and boost pragmatic cooperation between the two sides.
Djukanovic congratulated China on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-7 manned spacecraft on Thursday, as well as the country's tremendous progress over the past 30 years of reform and opening-up.
He said that Montenegro would like to step up high-level exchanges with China and enhance bilateral cooperation in areas like trade and economy, port development and tourism.
He also pledged that Montenegro will continue to follow the one-China policy, and support China's efforts to safeguard state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In their meeting before the opening ceremony of the Tianjin Summer Davos on Saturday afternoon, Wen told Schwab that the two-day forum has coincided with the 30th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up.
"The forum offers an opportunity for the world to better understand China and for China to further integrate into the world," Wen said.
Amid the current global financial turmoil, the international community should enhance communication and cooperation, deal with the challenges together, and promote the steady growth of the world economy, the premier added.
Schwab said that the WEF has maintained a sound cooperative relationship with China for years, and the Summer Davos has become a top-grade business summit of global influence.
He expressed the hope that the constructive discussions about the world economy at this forum could help rebuild confidence in the international community, and push forward the establishment of a truly sustainable global system for economic and social cooperation.
Source: Xinhua
Spokesman:China supports efforts to maintain Pakistan's unity, independence
China firmly supports Pakistan to maintain its sovereignty, independence and unity, the spokesman of the Chinese mission to the United Nations said here Saturday.
"China has all along firmly supported Pakistan's efforts to maintain its sovereignty, independence and unity, to realize stability, develop its economy and improve people's livelihood," Liu Yutong told reporters.
Liu made the remarks when answering a question from the press about China's stance on the formation of "Friends of Pakistan," a group established Friday at a meeting held at the UN headquarters.
China has all along provided assistance within its capability to Pakistan through bilateral channels, the spokesman said.
China also supports the international community's efforts to support Pakistan's development and stability, he added.
Source: Xinhua
"China has all along firmly supported Pakistan's efforts to maintain its sovereignty, independence and unity, to realize stability, develop its economy and improve people's livelihood," Liu Yutong told reporters.
Liu made the remarks when answering a question from the press about China's stance on the formation of "Friends of Pakistan," a group established Friday at a meeting held at the UN headquarters.
China has all along provided assistance within its capability to Pakistan through bilateral channels, the spokesman said.
China also supports the international community's efforts to support Pakistan's development and stability, he added.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese FM attends "developing-five" gathering, meets Russian, British counterparts
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday attended a foreign ministers' meeting of China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Mexico, and held separate talks with his Russian and British counterparts.
At the foreign ministers meeting of the five developing nations, Yang said strengthening cooperation and coordination among China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico in international affairs is conducive to maintaining the common interests of the five countries and those of other developing countries, and to advancing South-South cooperation and South-North dialogues.
At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, the five foreign ministers had in-depth exchange of ideas on such issues as food security, climate change, and financial stability, and discussed furthering cooperation among the five nations.
During his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Yang said China and Russia have had frequent high-level exchanges this year, with substantial progress in their pragmatic cooperation in various fields, further enriching the content and consolidating the foundation of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, bringing into play the potentials of bilateral cooperation.
Yang said the two sides should have further closer exchanges and strengthen coordination to constantly advance bilateral cooperation for new achievements.
Lavrov, for his part, said Russia is actively implementing relevant consensuses reached by the presidents of both countries, with sound progress in cooperation in various fields, adding that Moscow stands ready to work together with Beijing to deepen pragmatic cooperation and further elevate the level of the Russia-China strategic partnership of cooperation.
When meeting British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Yang said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reached many consensuses during their meeting at the sidelines of the high-level event on Millennium Development Goals. He expressed the hope that the two sides would do a good job in implementing the consensuses reached by the leaders so as to facilitate further development of bilateral ties.
Yang and Miliband exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
Source: Xinhua
At the foreign ministers meeting of the five developing nations, Yang said strengthening cooperation and coordination among China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico in international affairs is conducive to maintaining the common interests of the five countries and those of other developing countries, and to advancing South-South cooperation and South-North dialogues.
At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the 63rd session of the United Nations General Assembly, the five foreign ministers had in-depth exchange of ideas on such issues as food security, climate change, and financial stability, and discussed furthering cooperation among the five nations.
During his meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Yang said China and Russia have had frequent high-level exchanges this year, with substantial progress in their pragmatic cooperation in various fields, further enriching the content and consolidating the foundation of the Sino-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation, bringing into play the potentials of bilateral cooperation.
Yang said the two sides should have further closer exchanges and strengthen coordination to constantly advance bilateral cooperation for new achievements.
Lavrov, for his part, said Russia is actively implementing relevant consensuses reached by the presidents of both countries, with sound progress in cooperation in various fields, adding that Moscow stands ready to work together with Beijing to deepen pragmatic cooperation and further elevate the level of the Russia-China strategic partnership of cooperation.
When meeting British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, Yang said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown reached many consensuses during their meeting at the sidelines of the high-level event on Millennium Development Goals. He expressed the hope that the two sides would do a good job in implementing the consensuses reached by the leaders so as to facilitate further development of bilateral ties.
Yang and Miliband exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.
Source: Xinhua
China to raise Three Gorges Project's water level
China is to begin raising water levels at the Three Gorges Project on Sunday, the developer of the massive water conservancy project announced on Saturday.
The trial operation is set to begin at midnight Sunday.
The water behind the dam would be raised to an unspecified higher level subject to conditions of the Yangtze River, where the project was built, the China Three Gorges Project Corporation announced with approval of the State Council, the cabinet.
As of Saturday afternoon, the water level was 145.39 meters.
The plan takes into consideration both electricity generation and lower reaches navigation, and it should take more than a month, the company said.
Experts said there was no need to worry about flood control safety as historical data prove it is unlikely to have major flood peaks on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River after mid-September. They also said a higher water level wouldn't cause massive silting, or lead to serious natural disasters in nearby areas.
The Three Gorges Project, launched in 1993 with a budget equivalent to 22.5 billion U.S. dollars, is a multi-functional water control system built at the upper and middle reaches of the country's longest river.
Its main works are a dam, a five-tier ship lock, as well as 26 hydropower turbo-generators. Its key functions include flood control and power generation.
The project has been constructed in three phases. Storing water at the 175 meter level is a requirement for the last phase of construction.
The Three Gorges dam will have 14 turbo-generators on the left bank and 12 on the right which will produce 84.7 billion kw of electricity annually.
Monday, developers said the turbines will finish being installed in November.
There are plans to add six more turbines by 2012.
As of June, 1.24 million residents were relocated to make way for construction of the dam.
Source: Xinhua
The trial operation is set to begin at midnight Sunday.
The water behind the dam would be raised to an unspecified higher level subject to conditions of the Yangtze River, where the project was built, the China Three Gorges Project Corporation announced with approval of the State Council, the cabinet.
As of Saturday afternoon, the water level was 145.39 meters.
The plan takes into consideration both electricity generation and lower reaches navigation, and it should take more than a month, the company said.
Experts said there was no need to worry about flood control safety as historical data prove it is unlikely to have major flood peaks on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River after mid-September. They also said a higher water level wouldn't cause massive silting, or lead to serious natural disasters in nearby areas.
The Three Gorges Project, launched in 1993 with a budget equivalent to 22.5 billion U.S. dollars, is a multi-functional water control system built at the upper and middle reaches of the country's longest river.
Its main works are a dam, a five-tier ship lock, as well as 26 hydropower turbo-generators. Its key functions include flood control and power generation.
The project has been constructed in three phases. Storing water at the 175 meter level is a requirement for the last phase of construction.
The Three Gorges dam will have 14 turbo-generators on the left bank and 12 on the right which will produce 84.7 billion kw of electricity annually.
Monday, developers said the turbines will finish being installed in November.
There are plans to add six more turbines by 2012.
As of June, 1.24 million residents were relocated to make way for construction of the dam.
Source: Xinhua
"Emergency" water to arrive in Beijing Sunday via massive diversion project
"Emergency" water will arrive in Beijing via China's massive South-to-North Water Diversion Project on Sunday, which is expected to ease the capital's water shortage.
The water, diverted from neighboring Hebei Province 10 days ago, will flow into the Tuancheng Lake in the renowned Summer Palace in the city's northwest, said He Fengci, deputy director of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project Beijing Office.
Up to 300 million cubic meters of water will be redirected from three large reservoirs in Hebei between Sept. 18 and March 10 next year, He said.
"Beijing can actually receive 225 million cubic meters of water by the end of March next year, if the water loss on the journey is deducted," she said.
Some 1.3 million tons of water will arrive in Beijing everyday during the period via a newly-dug 307-km canal, which forms part of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.
Beijing has had water shortages partly because of its geography, with nine years of consecutive drought starting in 1999. It has received only 75 percent of its expected precipitation over that period.
The shortage in Beijing is set to reach crisis point in 2010, when the population is expected to top 17 million, or 3 million more than its resources can support.
The South-to-North Water Diversion Project, consisting of eastern, middle and western routes, is designed to divert water from the water-rich south of the country, mainly the Yangtze River, the country's longest, to the dry north.
The eastern and middle routes are already under construction. The western route, meant to replenish the Yellow River with water diverted from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River by digging tunnels in the high mountains of western China, is still at the blueprint stage.
According to the South-to-North water diversion office, when part of the project is completed in 2010, about 1 billion cubic meters of water will be diverted to Beijing annually.
Source: Xinhua
The water, diverted from neighboring Hebei Province 10 days ago, will flow into the Tuancheng Lake in the renowned Summer Palace in the city's northwest, said He Fengci, deputy director of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project Beijing Office.
Up to 300 million cubic meters of water will be redirected from three large reservoirs in Hebei between Sept. 18 and March 10 next year, He said.
"Beijing can actually receive 225 million cubic meters of water by the end of March next year, if the water loss on the journey is deducted," she said.
Some 1.3 million tons of water will arrive in Beijing everyday during the period via a newly-dug 307-km canal, which forms part of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.
Beijing has had water shortages partly because of its geography, with nine years of consecutive drought starting in 1999. It has received only 75 percent of its expected precipitation over that period.
The shortage in Beijing is set to reach crisis point in 2010, when the population is expected to top 17 million, or 3 million more than its resources can support.
The South-to-North Water Diversion Project, consisting of eastern, middle and western routes, is designed to divert water from the water-rich south of the country, mainly the Yangtze River, the country's longest, to the dry north.
The eastern and middle routes are already under construction. The western route, meant to replenish the Yellow River with water diverted from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River by digging tunnels in the high mountains of western China, is still at the blueprint stage.
According to the South-to-North water diversion office, when part of the project is completed in 2010, about 1 billion cubic meters of water will be diverted to Beijing annually.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese man sentenced to prison for faking tiger photos
Zhou Zhenglong, the farmer who shocked the country with his fake photo of the endangered South China tiger, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Saturday in northwest China's Shaanxi Province.
The Xunyang County People's Court also fined him 2,000 yuan after convicting him of fraud.
The trial lasted from 08:30 a.m. to 03:10 p.m.
According to the court, Zhou, 54, a farmer in Zhenping County, heard he might get an award of more than 100,000 yuan if he could take pictures of a wild South China tiger. It is a subspecies that has not been seen for years.
Zhou came up with the idea of faking tiger photos for the prize.
On Oct. 3, 2007, he shot 62 photos of a tiger from a poster which he put amid foliage.
The provincial forestry department announced the news to the public on Oct. 12 and rewarded Zhou with 20,000 yuan .
But doubts arose immediately on the Internet, after netizens found an old Lunar New Year commemorative poster showing a tiger that resembled the photo.
Police arrested Zhou in June after seizing an old tiger poster, which Zhou allegedly used to produce his photos. They also found a wooden model of tiger claw and 93 bullets in his home.
In late June, the Shaanxi provincial government held a press conference to announce the truth, saying Zhou's photos were fake.
According to testimony of Zhou's son, Zhou Song, his father once made him look for tiger posters and asked whether they could be used to take pictures. The son said no. After the tiger photos came out, Zhou Song knew his father had fabricated them.
During court session, Zhou Zhenglong claimed no one else participated in the scheme.
Zhou's defense attorneys believe bad publicity from the case should not be blamed on Zhou himself, saying the "cursory releasing of the news by relevant departments" helped spread the scam.
Zhou did not say he would appeal immediately after sentencing.
Thirteen government staff in Shaanxi were sacked or warned for the scam.
Source: Xinhua
The Xunyang County People's Court also fined him 2,000 yuan after convicting him of fraud.
The trial lasted from 08:30 a.m. to 03:10 p.m.
According to the court, Zhou, 54, a farmer in Zhenping County, heard he might get an award of more than 100,000 yuan if he could take pictures of a wild South China tiger. It is a subspecies that has not been seen for years.
Zhou came up with the idea of faking tiger photos for the prize.
On Oct. 3, 2007, he shot 62 photos of a tiger from a poster which he put amid foliage.
The provincial forestry department announced the news to the public on Oct. 12 and rewarded Zhou with 20,000 yuan .
But doubts arose immediately on the Internet, after netizens found an old Lunar New Year commemorative poster showing a tiger that resembled the photo.
Police arrested Zhou in June after seizing an old tiger poster, which Zhou allegedly used to produce his photos. They also found a wooden model of tiger claw and 93 bullets in his home.
In late June, the Shaanxi provincial government held a press conference to announce the truth, saying Zhou's photos were fake.
According to testimony of Zhou's son, Zhou Song, his father once made him look for tiger posters and asked whether they could be used to take pictures. The son said no. After the tiger photos came out, Zhou Song knew his father had fabricated them.
During court session, Zhou Zhenglong claimed no one else participated in the scheme.
Zhou's defense attorneys believe bad publicity from the case should not be blamed on Zhou himself, saying the "cursory releasing of the news by relevant departments" helped spread the scam.
Zhou did not say he would appeal immediately after sentencing.
Thirteen government staff in Shaanxi were sacked or warned for the scam.
Source: Xinhua
Sentence reduced for former Chinese beverage executive
Guangdong Provincial Higher People's Court reduced the original sentence for a former board chairman of Jianlibao Group Co. Ltd.
The company was once a soft beverage giant in south China.
Zhang Hai, will now serve 10 years in jail instead of 15.
He was convicted of embezzling corporate funds in February 2007 by Foshan City Intermediate People's Court.
Zhang illegally possessed 120.7 million yuan of public funds belonging to Jianlibao Group Co. Ltd. He also misappropriated 86.44 million yuan .
He revealed the name of someone the police were looking for in a house robbery in February last year.
For that information, Zhang's sentence was reduced by five years.
Source: Xinhua
The company was once a soft beverage giant in south China.
Zhang Hai, will now serve 10 years in jail instead of 15.
He was convicted of embezzling corporate funds in February 2007 by Foshan City Intermediate People's Court.
Zhang illegally possessed 120.7 million yuan of public funds belonging to Jianlibao Group Co. Ltd. He also misappropriated 86.44 million yuan .
He revealed the name of someone the police were looking for in a house robbery in February last year.
For that information, Zhang's sentence was reduced by five years.
Source: Xinhua
Five workers dead in Guangxi landslide
Five workers died in a landslide in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, local authorities said Saturday.
The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Friday in a tunnel construction site in Chongzuo City.
After an overnight rain, rolling stones from the nearby mountain buried a house where workers were sleeping, a municipal land resources bureau official said.
"I was reading a newspaper at that time," said a worker surnamed Li. "The other six were sleeping. Suddenly a colleague shouted 'the mountain is collapsing!' Two of us managed to run out of the room," said Li.
Four of the dead were locals. The other victim was from the neighboring Yunnan Province.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Source: Xinhua
The accident occurred around 7:30 a.m. Friday in a tunnel construction site in Chongzuo City.
After an overnight rain, rolling stones from the nearby mountain buried a house where workers were sleeping, a municipal land resources bureau official said.
"I was reading a newspaper at that time," said a worker surnamed Li. "The other six were sleeping. Suddenly a colleague shouted 'the mountain is collapsing!' Two of us managed to run out of the room," said Li.
Four of the dead were locals. The other victim was from the neighboring Yunnan Province.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Source: Xinhua
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