english


	The Eighth National Congress of Chinese Women Opens The Eighth National Congress of the Chinese Women opened yesterday afternoon in the Great Hall of the People of Beijing. Party and state leaders Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Li Ruihuan, Hu Jintao, Wei Jianxing and Li Lanqing extended congratulations to the Congress and received all the delegates. Vice-President Hu Jintao made a congratulatory speech on behalf of the Party Central Committee; Chen Muhua, executive chairwoman of the presidium of the Congress, presided over the meeting; Gu Xiulian, executive chairwoman of the presidium of the Congress, made a work report to the Congress on behalf of the Seventh Executive Committee of the All-China Women's Federation. Picture here are Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Li Ruihuan, Hu Jintao, Wei Jianxing and Li Lanqing cordially meet with all delegates to the Eighth National Congress of Chinese Women.
	Giving Full Play to the Role of Women Who Hold Up Half the Sky in the Historical Process of Realizing China's Cross-Century Development This is the congratulatory speech made by Hu Jintao on August 31, 1998 to the Eighth National Congress of the Chinese Women. In the first half of this century, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and after waging indomitable struggles, finally overthrew the 'three big mountains' of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat-capitalism. In this historical process, the Chinese women made immortal achievements in national independence and people's liberation. In the second half of this century, the Chinese people, under the leadership of the Party and after conducting arduous exploration, have successfully embarked on the road of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, in this historical process, the Chinese women have made new, major contributions to the prosperity and strength of the country and the rejuvenation of the nation, and they have thus won the widespread respect and praises of society.
	President Jiang Holds Talks With President S.A. Niyazov President Jiang Zemin of the PRC conducted formal talks with President S.A. Niyazov of Turkmenistan in the Great Hall of the People yesterday morning. Both sides had an extensive and intensive exchange of opinions on Sino-Turkmenistan relations and on international and regional issues of common concern. The talks proceeded at a sincere and friendly atmosphere. Pictured here is the ceremony held by President Jiang on the square outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People to welcome President S.A. Niyazov of Turkmenistan.
	Unifying Thinking, Strengthening Leadership, and Swiftly and Severely Cracking Down on Criminal Smuggle Activities This is the speech given by Zhu Rongji at the National Anti-Smuggle Work Conference on July 15, 1998. The speech deals mainly with three points: 1. Full understanding of the importance and urgency of the launch of an in-depth anti-smuggle struggle. 2. A few questions concerning the in-depth anti-smuggle struggle: (1) Giving prominence to key points, setting clearly-defined tasks; (2) concentrating forces on investigating and dealing with major and serious cases, resolutely puncturing the arrogance of smuggling forces; (3) deepening reform and establishing a new, anti-smuggle system. And 3. Strengthening leadership and vigorously carrying out the anti-smuggle struggle.
	Increasing Revenue and Cutting Expenditure to Aid Disaster Areas The historically rare floods in the south and the north have brought tremendous losses to the properties of the state and people. Whether in terms of carrying out anti-flood and disaster-relief struggle or of restoring production and rebuilding our homeland after the disaster, the flooded areas need support of huge amounts of financial and material resources. Under such circumstances, it is especially necessary for us to carry forward the fine tradition of hard work and industry and thrift in running everything. In increasing revenue and cutting expenditure, the most important thing is to increase production and income and open up extensive financial sources, so as to ensure the achievement of the goal of an 8 percent economic growth this year. This represents the most important and most practical support for disaster areas.

	Vigorously Strengthening Infrastructure Construction Lou Jiwei, vice-minister of finance, recently answered reporters' questions concerning the issuance of additional national bonds to be used in accelerating infrastructure construction. Thee questions include the background against which the Party Central Committee and the State Council decided to issue an additional 100 billion yuan national bonds, the significance of the issuance of additional national bonds to achievement of the goal of an 8 percent economic growth this year, why the 100 billion yuan is used as investments in infrastructure, the principle and focus for the use of the money, and why half of the money is transferred to local governments, and whether the issuance of additional national bonds and the series of measures adopted since the beginning of this year mean abandonment of the appropriately tight monetary policy.
	Post-Disaster Restoration of Production Should Not Be a Simple 'Duplication' A forum on the post-disaster restoration of production in the seven seriously flooded Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Heilongjiang, Anhui and Jilin provinces and the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region was held recently by the State Economic and Trade Commission to study plans for work related to post-disaster restoration of production in industrial and circulation enterprises in the above-mentioned provinces and region. The meeting stressed that restoration of production cannot be a simple 'replica' of the original, instead, restoration of production must be combined with structural readjustment, so as to achieve the aim of readjusting the structure, optimizing layout and raising level.

	Photo: The PLA soldiers of Nanjing Military Command Area vow to protect the main dykes of the Yangtze River in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, where the eighth flood peak will pass later.
	On August 20, about 800 PLA officers and soldiers rushed to reinforce the dangerous embankments of a reservoir, 120km from Daqing Oilfield. Despite the downpour, they went on fighting for more than 24 hours. This stubborn struggle made a lot of people fell unconscious on the dykes but they never stopped their work for a minute. Finally, their brave hard struggle eliminated a threat to the Daqing Oilfield.
	Wang Zhaoguo,vice-chairman of the CPPCC, Meets the Women Representatives from the HK SAR and Macao in Beijing.
	Some Taiwan compatriots went to Xiamen, Fujian Province directly from Taiwan Province by ship. But they were arrested by the Taiwan authorities the moment they returned to Jinmen Island. The media of Taiwan calls on the authorities to conform to the historical trend of the development, and open direct links across the Taiwan Straits as soon as possible.

	Li Peng Meets President of Turkmenistan Li Peng, Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, met with S.A. Niyazov, President of Turkmenistan in Beijing yesterday. Li noted that the two nations have continually strengthened political ties, and witnessed constantly expanding economic and trade cooperation. Scientific, technological and cultural exchanges have grown steadily, Li said, while he praised Niyazov's positive contributions to related efforts, and expressed great pleasure at being able to have another opportunity to meet the president after four years. He expressed confidence that Niyazov's current visit will serve to strengthen friendly relationship of cooperation and consolidate people-to-people friendship. China treasures and strives to further develop friendly cooperation with Turkmenistan in various areas, said Li. In response to Niyazov's briefing on the domestic situation in Turkmenistan, Li noted that under the president's leadership, Turkmenistan maintains political stability, stimulates the economic recovery and expands diplomatic relations. "We appreciate the notable achievements," said Li, adding that these facts prove the correctness of Turkmenistan's economic and social policies based on stable conditions. "We are fully prepared to expand contacts between legislatures and join in a concerted effort to promote the comprehensive development of exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries," said Li. Niyazov invited Li to visit Turkmenistan and expressed his great satisfaction with the positive results of his talks with President Jiang Zemin. He reiterated that Turkmenistan would strictly adhere to the "one China" policy, and expressed his firm conviction that mutually beneficial cooperation will witness steady advancement in the 21st century.
	Chinese Vice-Premier Pays Official Call on President of Turkmenistan Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing met with Turkmenistan President S.A. Niyazov and stressed the two nations should expand cooperation. Li extended welcome to Niyazov on behalf of the Chinese government and Premier Zhu Rongji. Li noted that Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Niyazov reached a wide-ranging consensus during today's highly successful talks, and said cooperation documents signed by the two nations will further strengthen friendly relations. He said China and Turkmenistan are close neighbors with highly complementary economies and great potential for economic and trade cooperation, Li stressed that the two countries should encourage strengthened cooperation between enterprises. Li said that the two sides have witnessed smooth cooperation in the exportation of petroleum machinery and in restoring oil wells. He also pointed out that China is increasing exports to Turkmenistan and is considering the establishment of joint ventures in that country. He said China has a strong capacity and advanced technology in the production of daily-use items and can provide Turkmenistan with finished products or technology and production lines. Niyazov expressed his belief that the current visit will accelerate mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas, including the political and economic and trade arenas. He said that cooperation will solidify the foundation for the development of bilateral friendship.
	The State Flood-Control and Anti-Drought Headquarters held the fourth plenary session yesterday. The meeting pointed out the flood-control struggle was at a crucial moment now, and called on governments at all levels to hold on to the last to win the final victory.
	In a circular issued on August 31, the State Flood-Control and Anti-Drought Headquarters calls for great support to and caring for the PLA troops participating in the fight against floods.
	The People's Bank of China requires that the financial departments, especially those in the flooded areas, provide fund support to the work of recovering production and rebuilding homelands after the flood.
	The State Flood-Control and Anti-Drought Headquarters Issues No.43 Notice on Flood The eighth Yangtze River flood crest of the year passed Yichang, Hubei Province, yesterday. Water levels between Shishou and Jianli in the middle and lower reaches of the river rose and levels in sections below Luoshan continued to recede slowly.
	Ministry of Civil Affairs Receives Foreign Donations for Flood-Ravaged Areas A number of foreign governments and organizations have donated cash and materials to aid the current flood relief effort in China. China's Ministry of Civil Affairs has received 207,000 yuan and a great number of tents, mattresses, woolen blankets and kettles from the government of the United States. The government of Japan has donated 5.81 million yuan and a large supply of tents, generators, and water-purifying equipment. The ministry also received 415,000 yuan in donations from the government of the Republic of Korea. At the same time, China has received many needed items including medicine and children's food valued over US$300,000 from an American medical society and materials valued over 100,000 Macao dollars from Macao.
	On behalf of the Chinese government, Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan yesterday accepted a donation of 100,000 yuan from Chilean Ambassador to China Octario Errazuriz Guilisasti to China's flood victims.
	Photo: The venue of the Eighth National Congress of Chinese Women.
	Vice-Premier Qian Qichen met with Awed Ahmed Al-Jaz, special envoy of Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir in Beijing yesterday, and said China is highly concerned and deeply disturbed by the news that the capital of the Sudan has suffered from a missile attack. During the meeting, Al-Jaz, Sudanese Minister of Energy and Mines, conveyed a letter from Sudanese President Al-Bashir to Chinese President Jiang Zemin, expounding the Sudan's view on the missile attack. Al-Jaz said the Sudan pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, noting that the Sudan does not invade any other country nor interfere in others' internal affairs. In addition, the Sudan opposes any form of terrorism and all actions encroaching upon its sovereignty, said Al-Jaz. He added that the Sudan praises China's just and responsible position on international issues. Qian expressed his thanks to President Al-Bashir for his letter to President Jiang, saying that he will forward the letter as soon as possible. Qian said that China opposes terrorism in any form, and believes that the international community should discover and eliminate the source of terrorism and strengthen international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. China also believes that all problems and disputes between countries should be solved through consultations and in accordance with the UN Charter and norms governing international relations, said Qian, adding that China opposes the use of forces. Qian stressed that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, joins the international community to safeguard world peace and stability.

	Flood-hit Provinces Try Every Possible Way to Ensure the Start of Schools Editor's Note: Chinese people, especially people in the flood-hit areas, show deep concern for whether schools in areas suffering huge flood disasters can start on time and whether students there can begin their new studies in step with other students nationwide. We are greatly relieved to learn that most of the primary and middle schools in the flooded provinces can open on time thanks to proper measures taken by all levels of Party, government, educational and social organizations. Thus, this page covers several pieces of news and features by Our Staff Reporters.
	The Ministry of Health issued an emergency circular on August 31, urging medical departments at all levels to make efforts to prevent possible outbreak of epidemics at schools in flood-ravaged areas. The circular said as new school term starts, students are returning to campus. Schools in flood-stricken areas are striving to start new school terms on time. It called on epidemic prevention organizations to step up guidance and supervision over campus sanitation to ensure teachers and students have clean food, drinking water and environment. School rooms should be thoroughly disinfected and newly-built school rooms should meet state sanitation requirements. Lectures should be given in schools to increase students' awareness of health. Students should have health check, especially those from flood-hit regions, to prevent contagious diseases from spreading on campus. Medical departments should have adequate stocks of medicines for fighting against possible epidemics, the circular noted.
	"Automobile Hospital for Children in Mountainous Areas" Heads for Flood-hit Areas "Automobile Hospital for Children in Mountainous Areas", a well-known mobile hospital throughout the poverty-stricken areas in Shanxi Province, left the capital city Taiyuan on the morning of August 31 for Poyang Lake to dispatch medical apparatuses, medicines, publicity implements and medical workers.
	According to news from Ministry of Land and Resources, the first whole coal seam gas-field was found after two years of exploration. Located in the southeast of Shanxi Province, the total area of the coal seam gas-field amounts to 1200 square kilometers and the total volume of resources to well over 200 billion cubic meters.

	As an important activity to mark the 20th anniversary of the Sino-Japanese Peace and Friendship Treaty, the seventh Sino-Japanese Non-Governmental Personages Council meeting opened in Tokyo on August 31. Chinese delegation headed by Song Jian, CPPCC Vice-Chairman and President of the China-Japan Friendship Association and Qi Huaiyuan, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, attended the meeting. Japanese Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura was also present at the meeting to deliver a massage of congratulations.
	The Russian State Duma, or lower house of parliament, failed to approve Viktor Chernomyrdin's nomination as prime minister on August 31. Chernomyrdin won only 94 votes for the presidential motion while 251 deputies against him. The Russian Acting Prime Minister on August 30 called on organs of power to cooperate in order to pull through the current political crisis. However, leaders of parties and factions including the Russian Communist Party still expressed their opposition to Chernomyrdin's nomination.
	German Chancellor Helmut Kohl held separate telephone conversations with US President Bill Clinton, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Russian President Boris Yeltsin to discuss the current situation in Russia. Kohl's spokesman Otto Hauser said that the chancellor expressed in the telephone talks his "great concern" about the recent development in Russia.
	The foreign ministers meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) opened in Durban, South Africa on August 31. South African Deputy President Thabo Mbeki addressed the opening ceremony.

	Seven Western Nations Urge Russia to Deepen Reform A spokesman for Tony Blair, Prime Minister of Britain, indicated on the evening of August 30 that the seven Western nations would prepare to provide aid to Russia on the condition that the latter must continue to deepen reform. Leaders of the seven nations clearly indicated that they would try to spur Russia to overcome its current economic difficulties because, they indicated a stable economy of Russia would conform with the interests of the seven nations.
	Bank of International Settlements Calls for Strict Precautions Against Financial Crises A report issued by international clearing banks on August 31 pointed out that the Asian financial market situation, after being somewhat alleviated early this year, witnessed a new round of turbulence in the second quarter which has affected some countries outside Asia. The report maintains that there is an urgent need for the international community to adopt measures to guard against and solve financial crises. The report also stresses that the re-emergence of the financial crisis and the tidal wave of the merger and association among the financial circles and other related situations all show that there is need for the international community to reconsider the structure of the world financial system.
	Placing of European Scientific and Technological Treatises, London Treatises Totaling 65,000 Pieces by Scientific Researchers Rank First Statistics of the output of scientific treatises produced by researchers in 39 European cities which were compiled by researchers of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, revealed that London, capital of Britain, came first in the list. Paris, capital of France, and Moscow, capital of Russia, respectively held the second and third places. The total number of scientific papers respectively stood at 46,000 and 40,000 pieces.
	One-Third of Americans Become Web Fans; Switzerland Sets Up Anti-Porn Reporting Wet Sites A most recent survey indicates that there are a total of 70.20 million Americans aged 16 and over use Internet, an increase of 18 million people than nine months ago. Switzerland set up net sites in August 27, calling on the public to report on all illegal activities related to children's pornography.
	A Generation of Princess, As If She Is in the Flesh Pictured here are a French mother and her daughter who, on August 30, mount Princess Dianna who died in a traffic accident in Paris on August 31 last year. Cause of the accident is still unclear.
	Japanese Factor Behind the Plummeting Global Stock Market In the last transaction day of last week, Tokyo stock market saw a sharp drop, the lowest in the past 12.5 years. Media pointed out that the deep-seated reasons behind the chain slump in the world stock market, the Japanese factor must not be overlooked, the main problem is the bad creditor's right of financial institutions.
	Semi-Conductor Knocks Open the Door of the Knowledge Economy The development of the semi-conductor technology has outshone all other technologies, as the core and foundation of the digital revolution, it has changed the development orientation of all electronic products and has knocked open the door of the knowledge economy. A brief introduction to the author Xu Juheng, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering is carried on top of this report.
	Typhoon has Triggered Floodwater in Japan, the Deluge of River water Has Caused Disaster

	It Is Not Easy to "Make Full Use of Available Materials": A Survey on School Sports Fields Open to the Public
	40 days after the dismissal of Zhongxin Men's Basketball Club, Zhejiang Men's Basketball Team found another sponsor, Zhejiang Wanma Group. Wanma Group is contracted to invest in the former 5 million yuan every year during a three-year period.
	According to Chinese Tennis Administration, the Competition Rules on Children's Promotion will be carried out with the approval of State Physical Culture and Sports Administration.
	The four-day World Wrestling Championship concluded on August 30 at Gavle, Sweden. Chinese wrestler Sheng Zetian took the silver in the 58kg division as he lost to Kim In-sub of South Korea 0-2 in the finals.
	Photo: Initiated by Chinese Weiqi Association and other organizations, Weiqi Masters' Benefit Games for Flood Relief took place in Beijing on August 29. Pictured here is the famous weiqi player Liu Xiaoguang playing with weiqi enthusiasts.

Copyright by People's Daily Online.
Any Suggestion? Please contact us.
Email: english@peopledaily.com.cn
Fax: 86-10-65092893