国内英语新闻:China's Premier visits elderly scientists to convey National Day greetings

    Qian and He were described as China's Marie and Pierre Curie by Western media when the former couple jointly discovered a new method of nuclear fission in the 1940s.

    Both Qian and He were engaged in groundbreaking research and development of nuclear energy for military and civic purposes. As a leading nuclear expert Qian also delivered a lecture to Mao Zedong and other senior political leaders.

    "Comrade Qian made a great contribution to China and you are also one of China's most prominent scientists," Wen told He.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao(R) talks with Qian Xuesen, a renowned scientist and founder of China's space technology, during his visit to Qian in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 6, 2009.

Wen later visited keystone space scientist Qian Xuesen, 98, one of the founders of China's astronautics science.

    It was the Premier's fourth visit in recent years to the scientist who was father of China's rocket and satellite development. Qian's work has been recognized by a "National Scientist of Outstanding Dedications" award from the central government.

    "You have devoted your whole life to the development of the country's defense technologies, and we are very happy to see you are still energetic," Wen told Qian.

    "We wish you a long life," Wen said.

    "I'm trying to live to be 100-years-old," Qian said.

    The scientist, who studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and returned to China in 1955, called on the government to cultivate technologically-talented people for sustainable development of scientific research and development.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao(1st, L) talks with Wang Daheng, a renowned Chinese optical scientist, during his visit to Wang in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 6, 2009.

During Wen's visit to scientist Wang Daheng at the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, the Premier wished the 94-year-old Wang a speedy recovery.

    Wang is the founder of China's optics studies. He has made a great contribution to the research and development of many key optical devices for defense and industrial purposes.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao(R) shakes hands with Hu Yamei, honorary president of the Beijing Children's Hospital, during his visit to Hu in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 6, 2009

The Premier's last stop was a visit to medical scientist Hu Yamei. Hu is a specialist in the treatment of leukemia in children and has saved many patients' lives.

    In 2003 Hu, now 86, proposed establishing a leukemia treatment center in Beijing. Her proposal was approved and adopted by the government and the center is now under construction.

    Hu said she was delighted to hear the center's construction was proceeding quickly and that now afflicted children would have greater opportunities and a better environment for treatment.