Senior Chinese leader Li Ruihuan extended festive greetings to people from education, science, culture, public health and sports circles at a reception held by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Wednesday.

Li is chairman of the National Committee of CPPCC.

Song Jian, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, told the 300-plus participants that the country relies on the intellectuals to make advancements in science and technology in the new century.

Noting that science, technology, education, culture and art, medical care and sports are crucial to economic growth and the improvement of people's living standards, he called for people from all these sectors to make even greater contributions to China's modernization drive with their wisdom and strength.

(People's Daily 01/17/01)