ALGIERS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Visiting top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo held talks Wednesday with Abdelaziz Ziari, speaker of the Algerian National Assembly, on issues of common concern and they agreed to boost bilateral relations and cement cooperation between the two parliaments. China and Algeria always handle the bilateral relations from a strategic perspective, said Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), highlighting that the relations have endured the test of time since the two countries established diplomatic relations 50 years ago. Wu expressed his appreciation of Algeria's adherence to the one-China policy, noting that China respects the choice Algerian people have made on path to develop their own nation. China feels satisfied with the current bilateral cooperation especially with the two-way collaboration at multilateral occasions on issues of UN reform, human rights and anti-terrorism, he said. Wu offered a four-point proposal to promote China-Algeria relations: firstly, maintain high-level exchange and increase political mutual trust; secondly, expand the substantial cooperation especially in infrastructure, agriculture and energy for mutual benefit; thirdly, intensify the exchange on humanitarian issues to carry out the traditional friendship; and lastly, strengthen coordination with an aim to safeguard the common interests. Ziari, for his part, called Wu's visit to Algeria "a big event "for the bilateral relations and "a symbol" marking a higher level of the inter-parliamentary cooperation. The speaker agreed with Wu's views on the bilateral relations and recalled the fact that China was the first non-Arab country who recognized Algeria's independence and forged the diplomatic relations with it, while expressing his gratitude to China's assistance to Algeria's national development. Wu Bangguo(2nd L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, and Abdelaziz Ziari (2nd R, front), Speaker of the Algerian National Assembly, sign on a memorandum on the exchange and cooperation between the top legislatures of China and Algeria in Algiers, Algeria, on Nov. 4, 2008.Algeria and China shared a solid foundation to foster ties and Algeria would unswervingly support China's constructive role on world affairs and make joint efforts with China to transfer the political will of developing ties into real actions so as to enrich the bilateral cooperation and enhance the strategic and cooperative ties, Ziari said. On the inter-parliament cooperation, Wu said one of his main purposes of the visit is to further promote the friendly relations between the two parliaments and push forward the cooperation among the various special inter-parliamentary committees and friendly groups. Ziari highlighted the commitment of the Algerian National Assembly to promoting the friendly relations with the NPC, calling on the two sides to boost cooperation so as to inject new vitality into the bilateral cooperation. The two parliament leaders also signed a memorandum on the inter-parliamentary cooperation after the talks. Wu, who is on the first leg of his five-nation Africa tour, also met with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the day. Wu spoke highly of the bilateral relations, saying the ties between the two nations are "in their best time." Wu said the good political relations should work effectively to promote the development of the trade cooperation, pledging that China would make concerted efforts with Algeria to step up cooperation with mutual benefit and give a fully play to the two business communities especially on some big projects which could help push forward the overall development. Wu Bangguo (L, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, meets with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in Algiers, Algeria, on Nov. 4, 2008.The Chinese government would encourage Chinese enterprises with good reputation to start their business and invest in Algeria, and it also welcomes Algerian companies to further their investment, Wu told Bouteflika. Echoing Wu's views, Bouteflika said China is a sincere friend of Algeria, noting that the North African country expects to work closely with China and hopes to see more Chinese enterprises to invest in Algeria. Algeria and China should work together on such fields as energy and resource, infrastructure and telecommunication, the president added. The two leaders also called on the concerned parties of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum to strengthen their cooperation to further carry out the agreements inked at the Beijing Summit and focus on the next-phase cooperation at an early date.
Palestinian National Authority(PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas (R) meets with Liu Yunshan, member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau and head of the CPC Central Committee Publicity Department, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Dec. 3, 2008. RAMALLAH, Dec. 3 (Xinhua) -- A visiting senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) said here on Wednesday that China hopes for joint efforts to push forward the Middle East peace process. Liu Yunshan, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during meetings with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in the West Bank city. Liu highlighted China's hope for realizing a comprehensive, just and everlasting peace in the Middle East at an early date, based on related UN resolutions and the "Land for Peace" principle. Liu, who leads a CPC delegation, conveyed cordial greetings from CPC and Chinese leaders to Abbas and Fayyad, saying that relations between the two sides would witness greater development in the future. Abbas expressed appreciation of the positive development of the solid ties between the Palestinians and China, expressing gratitude to China over its support for the Palestinian cause. Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad (R) meets with Liu Yunshan, member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau and head of the CPC Central Committee Publicity Department, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Dec. 3, 2008. Citing China's success in hosting the Olympic Games and launching the Shenzhou VII manned space flight, Abbas said the Palestinian people are proud of the remarkable achievements of the friendly nation. The Palestinian side is willing to strengthen communication and exchange with the Chinese government and the CPC in order to further develop bilateral relations in a comprehensive way, said Abbas. Meanwhile, Fayyad said the Palestinian people cherish the enduring friendship with China and are willing to enhance mutual beneficial cooperation in all aspects, including politics, economy, culture and education. Before the meetings, Liu laid a wreath at the grave of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, which is located in the compound of the Palestinian president's office in Ramallah. During his one-day trip in Ramallah, Liu, along with Abbas, also presided the signing ceremony for an economic and technical cooperation agreement between China and the Palestinians. The Palestinian territories is the last leg of Liu's good-will visit to the region, which has taken him to Iran, Bahrain, Egypt and Israel.
NANJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Sunday wrapped up his 3-day inspection tour in eastern Jiangsu Province, during which he urged to enhance confidence and put in place government measures to boost domestic demands. Wen referred to "confidence" a number of times when he visited local businesses. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd L Front) visits Sunshine Group Co., Ltd. in east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 9, 2009. Wen made an inspection tour in Jiangsu Province from Jan. 9 to 11. In the Jiangsu Sunshine Group, a clothes manufacturer, the company head told Wen that although the financial crisis hit the exporting businesses, their orders didn't drop as they kept bringing new products into the market. Workers were busy working on those orders due before the Spring Festival, Chinese traditional New Year. "The government's policies have created a favorable environment for businesses, but companies must be more creative and brave to overcome the financial crisis," Wen said. "You not only need to conquer the temporary difficulties, but also improve management, product quality and competitiveness, so as to be competitive in the world market." Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd L) talks to shoppers at Suguo supermarket in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 10, 2009. Wen made an inspection tour in Jiangsu Province from Jan. 9 to 11. On Saturday, Wen visited a farm equipment manufacturer in Changzhou city. He asked about equipment sales when the company leader said the government's policies had been a great help for the company's development. The policies include changing value-added tax, enhancing tax rebate and giving allowance to farmers who buy farm equipment. Wen encouraged the company to make the best farm equipment. "China has the world's largest population of farmers, and we should make the best farm equipment as well. I hope with your efforts, we could make it come true," Wen said. During the tour, Wen visited many other companies, including oil companies, telecommunications manufacturers and food plants. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) visits Changfa Group in Changzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 10, 2009. Wen made an inspection tour in Jiangsu Province from Jan. 9 to 11. Wen had discussions with experts from different industries on overcoming the current financial crisis. He emphasized on "confidence", and urged to rejuvenate the economic as soon as possible. Wen also visited Changzhou vocational education base, where he told students that ensuring employment is the government's major task in order to conquer the financial crisis. "Knowledge is power, safety and happiness," Wen told the students. "I hope all of you can serve the people with your talents." Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) talks to local residents in the Xuanwu District of Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 10, 2009. Wen made an inspection tour in Jiangsu Province from Jan. 9 to 11. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (2nd R) talks to shoppers at Suguo supermarket in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 10, 2009. Wen made an inspection tour in Jiangsu Province from Jan. 9 to 11.
BEIJING, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) leader Zhou Yongkang underscored the importance of the rule of law in the country on Tuesday. Zhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing the 6th congress of the China Law Society at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. President Hu Jintao, top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice President Xi Jinping also attended the session. In his address to the congress, Zhou first expressed appreciation and respect to all Chinese law workers for their contribution to the country. Zhou said building a country ruled by law has always been the pursuit of the Chinese people. He said after China initiated its reform and opening up drive 30 years ago, the country has seen remarkable progress in the improvement of its legal system, law education and research. The principle of rule of law is the premise of the development of China and the well-being of the Chinese people, he said. Zhou encouraged law workers in China to make further contributions to the country by giving advice on the country's development and safeguarding people's livelihood, thus help the country maintain economic growth and social stability. Law workers must bear the people-first principle in their minds and try to safeguard the interests of the people according to law, when making or enforcing laws, and when providing legal services. He also called for law workers to continue to popularize law education among the Chinese public, so that the whole society is encouraged to learn the laws, abide by the laws and use the laws to protect themselves. Local party and government departments must help address the difficulties of law workers in order to create a favorable environment for law education and research and cultivate more law talents, Zhou demanded. The China Law Society was founded in 1949 as a national association of legal scholars, jurists, law practitioners and an academic body of legal sciences. The society has now more than 140,000 members.
BEIJING, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- China has called on state enterprises and academic institutions to step up efforts to attract more leading Chinese scientists studying overseas, a move that would enable the country to stay globally competitive. According to a guideline issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, high-quality Chinese talent in foreign countries, especially those at the frontier fields of science and technology, is needed for China to embrace global competition and forge ahead with its opening up. Priority should be given to the recruitment of leading scientists who are able to make breakthroughs in key technologies, develop high-tech industries and lead new discipline areas, said the guideline. It urged key laboratories, state-owned commercial and financial institutions, high-tech zones, and higher institutions to create favorable conditions to attract more overseas Chinese experts to serve their motherland. Efforts should be made to make sure they are well-treated, have good career prospects and enjoy convenient service, the guideline stated. "(We should) further emancipate our mind, break away out-of-date rules and regulations, improve relevant policies, and fully understand, trust and use them." it said. Chinese scientists who have studied abroad have long played a crucial role in developing the country's industry, education and national defense programs. Among them were Qian Xuesen, China's father of space technology, Li Siguang, founder of China's geomechanics and Deng Jiaxian, nuclear physics expert. An official with the Organizational Department of the CPC Central Committee has said that a large portion of scientists from the country's two top academies studied abroad. More than 80 percent of the academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have studied abroad. The figure for the Chinese Academy of Engineering is 54 percent.
BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The pursuit of harmony is a basic value and the fundamental spirit of Chinese culture, State Councilor Liu Yandong told representatives of the 2008 Beijing Forum on Friday. More than 300 scholars from more than 40 countries participated in the forum, with the theme "The Harmony of Civilization and Prosperity for All-The Universal Value and the Development Trend of Civilization." Liu congratulated the forum, saying its theme was highly significant. She said the concept of harmony had become a key criterion in many types of relations: among peoples, between individuals and society, among nationalities and states, among cultures and between humans and nature. "It is especially important for academic and educational institutions to promote multinational cultural communication under globalization," said Liu. Co-sponsored by Peking University, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Education and the Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies, the Beijing Forum 2008 -- the fifth such annual meeting -- convened on Nov. 7. The forum will focus on the environment, the Olympic spirit and the global financial crisis.
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BEIJING, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Agreements on direct flights and shipping, signed on Tuesday in Taipei, are drawing strong interest from airlines and shipping companies from the mainland and Taiwan. "Regular charter flights, instead of flights only weekends and festivals, were our long-term expectations," said Liu Shaoyong, the general manager of mainland-based China Southern Airlines. "Direct air routes are very good for our business." A flight from the mainland to Taiwan via Hong Kong under the current arrangement takes two hours and 42 minutes and burns 16 tonnes of fuel. Under the new arrangement, flights will take 69 minutes and burn 7.3 tonnes of fuel. "Less travel time and expense benefits both passengers and airlines," Liu said. Wei Hsing-Hsiung, chairman of the board of Taiwan-based China Airlines, was glad to see the number of passenger charter flights increase from 36 on weekends to 108 a week. "We have profits of about 1.5 million U.S. dollars from weekend charter flights. The figure is likely to reach 5 million dollars due to more flights, while the cost might fall by 20 percent as the route is shorter," he said. The new agreement only opened one direct air route, between Shanghai and Taipei. Xiamen, the coastal city in southeastern Fujian Province directly opposite to Taiwan, was not included. Mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) President Chen Yunlin(R) and Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) Chairman Chiang Pin-kung attend the symposia on industry and shipping in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan Province, Nov. 5, 2008. They attended two symposia, one on industry and shipping and the other on finance, that were held against the backdrop of international financial crisis and struggling world economy in Taipei on Wednesday"We are expecting more air routes," said Yang Guanghua, general manager of Xiamen Airlines. The flight distance between Xiamen and Taipei will be one third shorter than at present and the flying time will be about half, he said. The two sides said in the agreement that they are going to negotiate another route linking the southern part of Taiwan with the mainland. To cope with increasing flights, Yang's company plans to use 10more passenger planes next year, he said. Taiwan's senior economic official Shih Yen-shiang told the local daily China Times on Wednesday that he estimated every direct trip across the Strait could save companies 300,000 New Taiwan dollars (about 9,000 U.S. dollars). "Based on 4,000 trips a year, 1.2 billion dollars will be saved," he said. Under the new agreement, the mainland and Taiwan will exempt each other's shipping firms from business and income taxes. For the container divisions of Taiwan's three leading shipping lines -- Evergreen Marine, Wan Hai Lines and Yang Ming Group -- 60percent could be related to the mainland. Tax cuts will save each 2 to 3 billion NT dollars, another local newspaper, the Commercial Times, said. Ningbo of eastern Zhejiang Province was one of the 63 ports that the mainland opened to Taiwan ships. "The most direct effect will be increasing cargo volume," said Tong Mengda, chief economist of Ningbo Port Holding. "The voyage to Taiwan has been cut from 25 hours to ten. This is good for both shipping companies and ports."
VICTORIA, Nov.13 (Xinhua) -- The current international financial crisis will not affect China's cooperation with Seychelles, visiting Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo said here on Thursday. Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks in his meeting with Seychellois President James Alix Michel. Wu said that China's economy will maintain its momentum of growth. "The crisis will not affect the contracted projects between the two sides as well as prospect of their future cooperation due to the strong growth of China's economy," Wu said. Seychellois President James Alix Michel (1st L) meets with Wu Bangguo (R Front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, in Victoria, Nov. 13, 2008 Wu also briefed the Seychellois president on policies that the Chinese government has adopted to deal with the crisis, promising that China will continue to offer its help to Seychelles according to its own capability. China is willing to deepen all-round cooperation and hopes to enhance inter-parliamentary exchanges with Seychelles, Wu said, calling the bilateral relationship "a living example" for big and small nations to handle their relations. "The relations between China and Seychelles can be regarded as an living model for big and small nations," Wu said, adding that China is ready to bring forward the friendly cooperation with Seychelles on the basis of mutual respect and reciprocity. The Seychellois president expressed his appreciation to China, noting his country could not achieve the economic development alone without China's long-term assistance. Seychelles hopes to further boost its cooperation with China especially in such fields as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, telecommunication and tourism, the Seychellois President noted. The president also reiterated his country's adherence to the one-China policy. Wu arrived here after he concluded his official visit to Madagascar. Seychelles is the final leg of his five-nation African tour which has already taken him to Algeria, Gabon, Ethiopia and Madagascar.
LONDON, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- Airbus and Xi'an Aircraft Industry Company (XAC) signed a cooperation agreement here on Monday to have the A320 Family wing "fully completed and tested" in China. The agreement signed by Brian Fleet, Airbus senior vice president, and Meng Xiangkai, president of XAC, in London, in the presence of the visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his British counterpart Gordon Brown. According to this fourth phase of the agreement, the wing equipping and testing will be done in Tianjin in a facility to be newly built close to the A320 FALC by XAC, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). The fully equipped and tested wings will be directly delivered to the nearby Final Assembly Line. The wing box structures assembled by XAC in China are now completed at Airbus' Broughton site, before being transported to the Final Assembly Line in China. The wing equipping operations are expected to start at the end of 2009, followed by the first delivery of a fully equipped set of wings in the first quarter of 2010. "With this project, Airbus is fulfilling its support to the cooperation agreement regarding A320 China wing manufacture," said Fleet. He said that having this facility close to the FALC is the most efficient industrial solution which will save transportation costs, reduce lead-time and risks in handling, and ensures quicker response time to our customers. Meng said that "I am confident that we will also be successful with this fourth phase, after successes in the first three phases."
BRUSSELS, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- The NATO secretary general on Monday praised the Chinese navy's anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and indicated NATO's willingness to work with China on the issue. "I am applauding what is a rather unique position of the Chinese navy participating in the anti-piracy (campaign)," Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told Chinese journalists at a NATO New Year reception. "I do not exclude, at a certain stage, that when the United Nations would create a sort of roof under which these whole anti-piracy operations take place, NATO and China will meet under that roof," he said. A soldier of Chinese navy special force watches a seabird flying over him on destroyer "Wuhan", flagship of the Chinese naval fleet for an escort mission against piracy off Somali coast, in the Gulf of Aden, on Jan. 18, 2009. The Chinese naval fleet including two destroyers and a supply ship set off on Dec. 26, 2008 for waters off Somalia. The deployment of two warships in the Gulf of Aden was the Chinese Navy's first expeditionary military mission. "I welcome the engagement of China... It is a very important contribution to anti-piracy operations," the secretary general said. NATO deployed four warships off Somalia in October to escort World Food Program food shipments to Somalia and to patrol the seas to deter piracy. Its mission ended in December. But the alliance is considering a long-term strategy on the piracy issue and stands ready to consider further requests for the use of its naval assets in this regard.