英文求职信五

财政分权对经济增长的实证研究

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- House prices in 70 major Chinese cities fell 1.3 percent in March from a year earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics said Monday.     The month-on-month figure, however, rose 0.2 percent in March.     In the first quarter, the area of commercial houses sold rose 8.2 percent to 113 million square meters and sales jumped 23.1 percent to 505.9 billion yuan (74 billion U.S. dollars), the NBS said.     Prices of new houses fell 1.9 percent year-on-year last month but rose 0.1 percent from February. Prices for second-hand houses rose 0.3 percent month-on-month despite of a decline of 0.4 percent from a year earlier.     Analysts warned it was still too early to say the property market had revived, as sales were mainly driven by surging credit and by stimulus policies, such as tax cuts. Other indicators, such as land purchases by developers, had shown no signs of recovery.     Floor areas of newly built houses in the first quarter tumbled 16.2 percent to 201 million sq m. The decline was 1.4 percentage points more than the January-February figure.     Land purchased for homebuilding fell more than 40 percent in the first quarter to 47.42 million sq m, and the actual area developed shrank 11.3 percent to 52.2 million sq m.     China Vanke, the country's biggest property developer by market value, reported on April 11 its first-quarter sales rose 21 percent to 12.22 billion yuan. Those of Poly Real Estate Group, the second-biggest, doubled to 6.48 billion yuan.

BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his visiting Uruguayan counterpart Tabare Vazquez here Monday. They agreed to promote bilateral relations to a higher level. Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) hosts a welcoming ceremony for Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2009.During the meeting, Uruguay recognized the full market status of Chinese economy, according to press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry.     Hu spoke positively about Uruguay's adherence to the one-China policy and its firm support on issues concerning Taiwan and Tibet. He highlighted the rapid growth of bilateral relations since the two forged diplomatic relationship 21 years ago.     China has become the third biggest trading partner of Uruguay and the two sides have enjoyed close coordination and cooperation in regional and international issues, Hu said.     Vazquez said the two countries have made important progress in cooperation in various fields since they established diplomatic relations.     The two sides share broad consensus on many major issues. Both sides support peaceful resolution to international disputes and oppose interference of other country's internal affairs, Vazquez said.     The growth of bilateral relations will serve the interests of both nations and their peoples, Vazquez added.     Hu suggested the two sides strengthen political relations and expand dialogues at various levels. He also called for expanded cooperation in investment, trade and technology for their mutual benefits.     He named agriculture, fishery, product quality inspection, software and engineering technology consultation as fields where cooperation should be strengthened.     "The Chinese government encourages its companies to start businesses and invest in Uruguay and is willing to boost bilateral cooperation in energy, information technology industry, biological technology and agricultural technology", Hu said.     He also proposed the two nations boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges by expanding cooperation in culture, education, sports, media, and tourism sectors.     "China will make joint efforts with developing countries, including Uruguay, to address global challenges such as the current international financial crisis in an aim to maintain and promote peace, stability and development", the Chinese president said.     He added that China supports the integration process of the Common Market of the South and is willing to develop friendly and cooperative ties with its member states.     The two heads of the state also consulted on the international financial crisis.     Hu said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with developing countries including Uruguay to jointly face up to various global challenges such as the financial crisis, and safeguard and promote peace, stability and development across the world.     He said China attaches high importance to the G20 Summit scheduled for April 2 in London and is committed to intensifying dialogue and communication with the participating parties to ensure the summit will produce positive outcomes.     Vazquez stressed the necessity for the establishment of a new international financial order and expressed his hope the summit will lead to positive results that will help alleviate the impact of the financial crisis on developing countries.     After the talks, the two presidents witnessed a signing of a number of bilateral agreements.     At the invitation of Hu, Vazquez arrived in Beijing Saturday morning for a six-day state visit.     Vazquez will leave Beijing for a visit to Shanghai on March 24.     This is President Vazquez's first visit to China since he took office in 2005.

天然翡翠豆种

BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The worst drought in half a century in northern China will continue until next month, although it will be eased slightly by rainfall forecasted for the next ten days, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) on Friday.     In March, rainfall in most parts of the wheat-growing areas in northern China is expected to be slightly less or close to normal. However, the wheat crops in Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shandong, Henan and Anhui will continue to suffer, said Xiao Ziniu, director of the National Climate Center (NCC) under the CMA said at a videoconference. Workers of a power company help a farmer to irrigate the field in Wuhe County, east China's Anhui Province, Feb. 5, 2009. China raised the drought emergency class Thursday from level two to level one, the highest alert, in response to the worst drought to hit northern China in half a century, according to a State Council meeting.China declared the highest level of emergency on Thursday in response to the rare drought which began in November. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao have ordered all-out efforts to combat the severe drought in the country's vast wheat-growing area to ensure a good summer harvest.     About half of the total, or 78.77 million mu (5.25 million hectares) of the affected wheat lands have been irrigated in the nation's eight wheat-growing provinces as of Feb. 5, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) on Friday. Soldiers of armed police force help a farmer to irrigate his field in Huainan, east China's Anhui Province, Feb. 5, 2009. The ministry said it would offer farmers subsidies on irrigation equipment purchase to aid the relief work. Prices of the facilities should not be higher than the market price for last year.     Buying water pump and the watering machinery will be subsidized to meet the urgent demand of the anti-drought effort, said an official with the ministry, stressing that the product quality should be insured.     The area of affected crops has expanded to 161 million mu by Feb. 6. 4.37 million people and 2.1 million livestock are facing drinking water shortage, according to data released by the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters. People barrel drinking water supplied by the local government at Chengguan Township in Ruyang County of Luoyang City, central China's Henan Province, Feb. 4, 2009. The city had received a reduced effective rainfall since October 2008, almost 80 percent less than in the same period of previous years. The local government has allocated some 25 million yuan (3.65 million U.S. dollars) for drought relief and crops protectionThe scarcity of rain in some parts of the north and central provinces is the worst in recorded history, as the drought spanned from autumn to winter -- a weather trend not witnessed in years, according to Sun Zhengcai, the Minister of Agriculture. The situation in some areas is extremely severe, he said.     Lack of rain has created a layer of three-to-ten-centimeter of dry soil in many parts of northern China, Sun said.     As the drought will not be relieved in the short-run, more seedlings are likely to be killed as spring approaches, which could threatened the summer harvest. Photo taken on Feb. 5, 2009 shows a dead wheat seedling in the farmland of Taiping township of Huining County, northwest China's Gansu Province. The county has suffered from serious drought since September 2008 with about 150,667 hektares of farmland and 184,000 people and 326,000 livestocks short of water. MOA data showed more than 2.3 million mu of wheat seedlings in Henan, Anhui and Shandong provinces had perished.     This year's summer harvest became more unpredictable as Puccinia striiformis, or stripe rust, one of the most damaging wheat disease began to show signs of spreading across the nation, MOA warned.     The dangerous disease, which could cause losses up to 40 percent, has affected more than 11.3 million mu (753,000 hectares) of wheat in seven provinces, 4.6 million mu more than the same period last year. The northwestern Gansu and Ningxia saw the worst outbreak in 19 years.

BEIJING, March 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese leaders joined in panel discussions with the country's political advisors Wednesday, calling for concerted efforts to pull through the global financial crisis which is unfolding its impact on the country's economy. Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R), shakes hands with a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009. Hu Jintao and Jia Qinglin (1st R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visited the CPPCC members from the China Association for Promoting Democracy and the China Democratic League on WednesdayAll parties, all organizations, all social strata and all ethnic groups should unite under the central authorities' decisions and strategy to overcome difficulties, President Hu Jintao said in a discussion with members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).     He called on all Chinese people to stand together and "bravely move forward" though difficulties are in sight.     "This year is pivotal for the country to combat the financial crisis and maintain a steady and relatively rapid economic growth," Hu told political advisors from the China Association for Promoting Democracy and the China Democratic League, two non-communist parties.     "To ensure economic growth, people's well-being and social stability is of great importance to maintain a stable overall situation of reform and opening-up," Hu said. Wu Bangguo (front R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), meets with members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the CPC during the panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009Top legislator Wu Bangguo called on members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to play an exemplary role and contribute wisdom and strength to the national development during his discussion with a group of advisors from the CPC.     Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress, pinpointed the importance of investigation and research on issues concerning people's livelihood in a bid to "fully reflect the real social situations and the public opinions."     He asked the CPPCC members to make efforts to promote the building of a harmonious society. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (front L), meets with members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the circles of economy and agriculture during the joint panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009In the discussion with advisors from the circles of economy and agriculture, Premier Wen Jiabao said the country need to make large-scale government investment and bring in more social and private funds as well.     While the crisis demands stronger government macro-control, the role of the market mechanism should also be given a full play, he said.     Wen called for resolute and prompt government decisions in the face of the economic woes but stressed that officials must work according to the law and procedures.     "We must make sure every major government investment plan is appraised in a scientific way and will be known, understood and supervised by the people," he said.     "The more difficulties we have, the more opinions we should solicit from various groups," he said. Jia Qinglin (R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with members of the 11th National Committee of the CPPCC from the religious circle during the panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009CPPCC National Committee Chairman Jia Qinglin encouraged political advisors from the religious circle to guide believers to "promote economic development and social stability."     He asked them to work for harmonious religious relations and the reunification of the motherland.     The other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang, also joined panel discussions with political advisors. Li Changchun (L), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the social sciences, media and publication circles during the joint panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March Li Changchun told political advisors from the social sciences, media and publication circles to nurture an environment that can help ensure economic growth, people's well-being and social stability by conducting investigations and better answering questions of public concern. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (front L), who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from south China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR during the joint panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009.During a panel discussion with advisors from Hong Kong and Macao, Vice President Xi Jinping assured that with the support from the central government and through efforts made by the regional governments, the two special administrative regions will surely tide over the crisis and achieve long-term prosperity. Li Keqiang (2nd R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the education circle during the panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009.Vice Premier Li Keqiang stressed the priority of education in his discussion with advisors from the education circle, saying education is the "strategic foundation" of the country's modernization.     A better education system will benefit the people's well-being and all-round development and provide talent support for the country's economic and social drives, he said. He Guoqiang (2nd R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the China Democratic National Construction Association and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce during the joint panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009. He Guoqiang, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, called on non-public sectors of the economy to adapt to the market transformation, shift development mode and shoulder social responsibility by making more contributions.     He also urged to intensify the battle against corruption and improve officials' work style. Zhou Yongkang (R), member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with specially invited members of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) during the panel discussion in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2009.Zhou Yongkang called for preventing and resolving social conflicts and listening to public opinions so as to safeguard public rights and interests.     The CPPCC National Committee started its annual full session Tuesday. The meeting is scheduled to end on March 12.

CARACAS, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at a seminar here Tuesday, elaborating on bilateral ties, cooperation and common development between China and Venezuela.        BRIGHT FUTURE FOR BILATERAL TIES     In his speech at the opening ceremony of a seminar attended by entrepreneurs from both China and Venezuela, Xi said bilateral ties have seen comprehensive and fast growth since the establishment of diplomatic ties 35 years ago, particularly after the two countries built their strategic partnership for common development in 2001. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping makes a speech at a business seminar in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 17, 2009. Xi arrived in Caracas Tuesday for an official visit to Venezuela. Both sides have enjoyed close high-level exchanges, strengthened mutual political trust and fruitful cooperation in all areas, he said.     Venezuela has become China's fourth biggest oil provider and fifth largest trade partner in Latin America, with bilateral trade volume reaching a record 9.85 billion U.S. dollars in 2008 -- a year-on-year increase of 68.2 percent, said Xi.     He noted that the strengthening of friendly, mutually beneficial cooperation is in keeping with the fundamental interests of both peoples. It is also conducive to the common development of the two countries as well as to relations between China and Latin America as a whole. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (1st L) talks with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (1st R) at a business seminar in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 17, 2009Xi said he had held "very fruitful talks" with Vice President Ramon Carrizales on Tuesday.     "We both are very enthusiastic and determined to develop friendly cooperation between our two countries."     To that end, Xi proposed that both China and Venezuela focus on the following four aspects:     First, both nations should focus on common development and boost mutual political trust. China and Venezuela should view each other from a strategic perspective and adhere to the principles of mutual trust, mutual assistance, reciprocity and mutual benefits. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) shakes hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez at a business seminar in Caracas, Venezuela, Feb. 17, 2009"We should reinforce political dialogue, broaden strategic common grounds, deepen mutual political trust, constantly enrich the contents of strategic partnership, and promote a long-term stable reciprocal cooperation in an all-around way," the Chinese vice president said.     Secondly, he said the two countries should further improve their cooperative mechanism and upgrade cooperation.     This mechanism, namely the Sino-Venezuelan inter-governmental commission founded eight years ago, "has played an active role in communication and collaboration, under which great progress has been made in cooperation in all areas," said Xi.     He expressed hope that the commission would continue to play its guiding and coordinative role in laying the groundwork of pragmatic cooperation and opening new fields of cooperation.     He also proposed setting up a council for entrepreneurs from both countries.     Thirdly, Xi said China and Venezuela should boost cooperation in energy and finance.     Energy cooperation is a priority and constitutes an important part of bilateral cooperation, he said, expressing hope that the two sides would make a joint effort to push forward an all-around energy partnership.     Xi also said that both nations had agreed to increase their contributions to a joint fund to finance projects in either country.     Finally, Xi said the two countries should explore more fields and channels for cooperation. Apart from energy cooperation, they should better tap the cooperation potential in agriculture, infrastructure and high-tech, as well as promote projects in the housing, railway, telecommunication and electric power sectors.     "We deeply believe that through concerted efforts, China and Venezuela will surely have a bright future of cooperation," Xi said.     BETTER COOPERATION AND COMMON DEVELOPMENT     The Chinese vice president said the scope and pace of cooperation between China and Latin America has reached an "unprecedented" level since the beginning of the new century.     Bilateral trade reached 143.39 billion U.S. dollars in 2008, 39.7 percent up from the previous year and 10 times that of 2000, Xi noted.     Meanwhile, mutual investment has been growing with areas of cooperation being expanded, he said, adding that trade and economic cooperation has shown excellent prospects for all-around development.     China, the largest developing country in the world, is ready to join hands with Latin America, one of the world's major developing regions, to push forward their cooperation and raise it to a still higher level, he said.     China and Latin American nations -- whose combined population makes up a fourth of the world's total -- are all at a crucial stage of socio-economic development, he said.     Under the current circumstances, while standing up to the serious challenges brought about by the global financial crisis, one should not lose sight of the new emerging opportunities for all-around cooperation between the two sides, he said.     The vice president put forward a four-point proposal for strengthening all-around cooperation for common development.     First, he said efforts should be made to promote mutual political trust, bearing in mind the importance of long-term development of friendly cooperation.     China is ready to maintain high-level visits and contact with Latin American nations and favors increased bilateral understanding and support on issues of mutual concern, he said.     Both sides should strive to improve the existing bilateral and multilateral mechanisms of political consultation and dialogue and coordinate cooperation in various fields from a strategic height and long-term perspective.     In the face of the global financial crisis, China is ready to work with Latin American nations to strengthen coordination and boost confidence so as to contribute to the stable growth of the global economy, Xi said.     Second, mutual cooperation should be deepened, said the Chinese vice president.     China is ready to continue to expand trade and mutual investment with Latin American nations, push forward pragmatic cooperation in such key areas as energy, finance, agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and the high-tech industry.     The Chinese government is ready to join hands with Latin American governments to further promote strategic cooperation between companies from both sides and make continued efforts to ensure greater success in hosting the China-Latin America Business Summit and the China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, he added.     Third, efforts should be made to boost human and cultural exchanges, with a view to cementing the foundation of the China-Latin American friendship.     China is ready to enhance exchanges with Latin American nations in the fields of culture, education, health, sports and tourism, and carry out practical cooperation in poverty alleviation, social security, environmental protection and disaster relief.     Both sides should also expand exchanges between youth and women's organizations as well as media bodies and academic institutions in efforts to promote understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Latin American peoples, Xi said.     Fourth, both sides should strengthen consultation and cooperation in international affairs.     China is ready to strengthen coordination with Latin American nations, through participating in regional and international organizations or other multilateral mechanisms, and jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing nations.     Both sides should work together to push for the establishment of a global economic system for sustainable development, an inclusive international financial system, a fair and equitable international trading system and a fair and efficient global development system.     Both sides should urge developed countries to fulfill their commitments in terms of increasing investments and aid, reducing trade barriers, speeding up technology transfer and reducing and writing off debts, he said.     China is a staunch force for maintaining world peace and the Chinese people are trustworthy friends of the Latin American people, said Xi.     China and Latin America enjoy a profound traditional friendship and share broad common interests. China is ready to work with Latin American nations to write a new chapter in the efforts to establish partnership for all-around cooperation, said the vice president.     Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was present during Xi's address.     Xi arrived Tuesday in Caracas for an official visit to Venezuela, the fourth leg of his six-nation tour, which will also take him to Brazil and Malta. He earlier visited Mexico, Jamaica and Colombia.     In November 2008, China issued its first Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean, seeking to build and develop a comprehensive and cooperative partnership featuring equality, mutual benefit and common development with the region.

冰种满绿和冰种阳绿

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese equities continued gains on Monday from last week's trading and advanced to a four-month high since late September as signs of an economic recovery, a raft of stimulus plans and a rally in the U.S. stock market boosted confidence, said analysts.     The government rolled out plans to revive the textile industry and machinery manufacturing industry last week after auto and steel stimulus packages. Measures to support the shipping industry, the non-ferrous metal industry and others are yet to come.     These efforts helped buoyed market confidence, said analysts. The country's economy was resilient and posted signs of recovery, partially because of the economic stimulus plans as the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) of the manufacturing sector released on Feb.4 rose to 45.3 in January from 41.2 in December.     The Shanghai A-share index rose 43.47 points, or 1.99 percent, to close at 2,224.71, and the Shenzhen Component Index posted a bigger rise of 4.06 percent, or 315.79 points, to 8,087.69.     Combined turnover climbed to a nearly nine-month high at 235.5 billion yuan (34.5 billion U.S. dollars), up from the 189.6 billion yuan from the previous trading day.     Gains outnumber losses by 841 to 29 in Shanghai and 713 to 34 in Shenzhen.     Non-ferrous metal rose across the board boosted by rising metal prices. Shanghai copper surged by its daily limit of 5 percent, or1,400 yuan per tonne to 29,510 yuan per tonne. Shanghai aluminum rose 3.56 percent to 12,225 yuan per tonne. Their gains also lifted other base metals.     Aluminum Corporation of China, the country's largest aluminum producer, advanced by the daily limit of 10 percent to end at 9.56yuan. Yunnan copper, China's third largest smelter of the metal, rose by the daily limit of 10 percent to 13.07 yuan. Liaoning-based Huludao Zinc Industry also gained by the daily limit of 10 percent to 4.16 yuan.     China Cosco Holdings Co. surged by the daily limit of 10 percent to 10.74 yuan after the Baltic Dry Index, a gauge of commodity shipping costs, posted a strong rise of 53 percent over last week. China Shipping Container Lines Company moved up 6.49 percent to 3.34 yuan.

DAKAR, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar on Friday to discuss promotion of friendly and cooperative ties between China and the West African nation.     Hu said the bilateral relations have made progress in various fields since the resumption of diplomatic ties in 2005, and facts have proved that the China-Senegal friendship is in the fundamental interests of both nations and will have a promising future.     To cement bilateral cooperation and seek more tangible benefits for the two peoples, Hu proposed both nations keep exchange of high-level visits and deepen political trust, and increase communications and cooperation between the two governments, legislatures, ruling parties and local authorities so as to lay a solid political foundation for bilateral ties.     On the economic front, Hu suggested establishing a bilateral economic and trade steering committee to plan and monitor trade cooperation.     China would like to facilitate Senegalese corporations' efforts to do business in and expand their exports to China, and the Chinese government will encourage Chinese businesses and the China-Africa Development Fund to cooperate with Senegalese businesses, Hu said. Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) meets with his Senegalese counterpart Abdoulaye Wade in Dakar, capital of Senegal, Feb. 13, 2009    Hu called on non-governmental organizations in both nations to increase exchanges, seek multiple forms of cooperation and enhance mutual understanding.     On international issues, Hu said China values the positive role that Senegal has played in African and international issues, and would like to step up consultation and coordination with Senegal in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other organizations, in a bid to safeguard the legitimate rights of developing countries and to promote South-South cooperation and South-North dialogue.     Hu said China will keep its promise made at the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in November 2006 and will not reduce its aid to Africa as a result of China's efforts to address the global financial crisis.     China will urge the international community to pay attention to the difficulties the crisis has brought to Africa and to increase Africa's representation and voice in reforms of the international financial system, Hu said, adding that China would like to further communicate and coordinate with Senegal and other African countries to tide over the crisis.     Wade said he was satisfied with the bilateral cooperation since the resumption of diplomatic ties as China has fully honored its commitments and China-aided programs have been going on smoothly.     He appreciated China's generous support for Senegal in the sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, culture, education and public health.     After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a number of cooperation deals.     Senegal was the third leg of Hu's five-nation tour. The first-ever visit by a Chinese president was warmly welcomed by local people, with the streets from the airport to downtown Dakar being lined up with Chinese and Senegalese flags and welcoming crowds.

各场口翡翠原石图解

JEJU, ROK, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Li Changchun, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), unveiled a new Confucius Institute here Saturday soon after his arrival.     Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, cut the ribbon for the Republic of Korea's 13th Confucius Institute, the Chinese-teaching institution overseas.     The institute was set up in Cheju Halla College, the largest private institute of high learning in Jeju Special-Governing Province of the Republic of Korea (ROK).     When addressing the opening ceremony, Li said that China and ROK were inter-linked geographically and culturally. "The cultural exchanges boast profound historic foundation and favorable realistic environment," he said. Li Changchun (L2), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, unveils the Confucius Institute set up in Cheju Halla College, in Jeju, the Republic of Korea (ROK), April 4, 2009During the past centuries, the peoples of China and ROK learn from each other, thus contributing to the development of the colorful culture in East Asia, Li said.     "With concerted efforts made by both, I believe that the cultural exchanges between our two countries will see even more vigorous growth, making active contribution to the development of China-ROK strategic and cooperative relations," he said.     Jeju is known for its natural scenery and become a major tourist destination for Chinese travelers. "I think the new Confucius Institute can surely add a new human landmark to the beautiful natural vista in Jeju," he said.     Li also donated a batch of Chinese language teaching textbooks, books on Chinese history and culture and some audio-video materials to the institute.     The world's first Confucius Institute was launched in Seoul, capital of the ROK, in December 2004. By March 2009, some 256 Confucius Institutes and 58 Confucius Classrooms were set up in 81countries and regions worldwide.     Li arrived in Jeju earlier Saturday. ROK is the last leg of Li's four-nation tour which has already taken him to Australia, Myanmar and Japan.

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese cities saw the fastest economic growth among all cities internationally, in 2008, but their overall competitiveness was still only at medium or low levels globally, according to a report released here Tuesday.     The report, entitled the Blue Book of Urban Competitiveness, was released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). It showed that ten of the 15 fastest-growing cities worldwide in 2008 were in China.     The ten cities are Baotou and Hohhot in the northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Yantai, Weifang and Weihai in eastern Shandong Province, Dongguan, Zhongshan and Huizhou in southern Guangdong Province, and Wuhu and Hefei in eastern Anhui Province.     However, Chinese cities ranked at only medium or low levels among world cities in terms of overall competitiveness, the report said.     The ten most competitive cities in China, according to the report, are Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Suzhou and Kaohsiung. But Hong Kong only ranked the 26th among world cities, Shanghai the 41th, and the others still lower.     Ni Pengfei, a CASS scholar who led the research, said 294 large and medium-sized China cities were rated, including those in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.     The overall competitiveness of a city is based on its advantages in human resources, capital, science and technology, infrastructure, environment, governance and so on.     The report was compiled by nearly 100 scholars from Chinese universities, statistics departments, and research institutes.