Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing began to meet with the press at a press conference in the Great Hall of the People at 3:00 pm Saturday.

Called a "poet diplomat," Li has published a collection of poetry and prose. Li served as a diplomat in Africa for years, and was later promoted to such posts as director-general and spokesman of the Information Department of the Foreign Ministry, assistant foreign minister, China's resident representative to the United Nations, deputy foreign minister and China's ambassador to the United States.

About 500 Chinese and overseas correspondents attended the press conference, broadcast live by China National Radio, China Radio International and China Central Television.

(China Daily March 6, 2004)