The forthcoming all-round scientific survey by Chinese and Russian scientists at the Baikal Lake has nothing to do with the "Baikal water diversion project" as some media had reported, Tao Baoxiang, head of the Sino-Russian scientific team, said Tuesday.

Through current scientific survey, Chinese scientists plan to evaluate the quality of water in this deepest lake of the world, while Russian scientists hope to work with their Chinese counterpart in probing the prospects of utilizing water resources in the Siberia.

"The exchange between the two sides are pure academic," he said, noting that there will be no hydraulic experts among the Chinese and Russian team members.

A group of 15 Chinese scientists are expected to leave for Siberia on August 9, kicking off a joint expedition with their Russian counterparts.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2005)