Premier Zhu Rongji and visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder
today joined the first batch of passengers on Shanghai's new maglev
train to experience a seven-minute VIP trip along the 31-kilometre
line.
The maglev train links Shanghai's financial district with Pudong
airport. It is China's first commercial transit system to use the
magnetic levitation technology and is the fruit of the co-operation
between China and Germany.
Before Schroeder arrived in Shanghai, the chancellor had separate
meetings yesterday with President Jiang Zemin and Vice-President Hu
Jintao in Beijing.
Schroeder said that Germany attaches great importance to long-term
sound relations with China, which are in the fundamental interests
of both countries.
The two sides' top leaders said they hoped to further expand
co-operation and exchanges in various fields, including the economy
and trade, science, education, the law and environmental
protection.
Jiang briefed the chancellor on the 16th National Congress of the
Communist Party of China and stressed that China will not depart
from its policy of opening-up.
Hu
said that China and Germany have become important economic and
trade partners.
The vice-president also highly praised Germany's adherence to the
one-China policy. He noted that China valued Germany's role in
promoting European integration and its important influence in
maintaining world peace and stability.
Both Chinese and German top leaders yesterday vowed to enhance
co-ordination and co-operation in the United Nations.
Schroeder said that both countries share common views on many
international issues and both attach importance to the legitimate
role of the UN in international affairs.
Given Germany's high regard for China's status in the international
community, Schroeder said his country hopes to intensify
consultations and cooperation with China within the UN
framework.
In
Shanghai, Schroeder delivered a speech at Tongji University, where
he was awarded a honorary doctorate yesterday afternoon.
"In the new year, I hope the Iraq problem can be handled
peacefully," Schroeder said. "And I will do my best for that."
Schroeder answered several questions asked by the university
students about himself, the Sino-German relationship, and cultural
and educational exchanges.
In
his speech, Schroeder said multilateral cooperation is more
necessary than ever in the process of economic and information
globalization.
Tongji University President Wu Qidi presented Schroeder with the
degree certificate and said it was an honor for the university and
a symbol of Schroeder's friendship towards the Chinese people.
(China Daily December 31, 2002)