Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited two hospitalized centenarian
economists, Xue Muqiao and Chen Hansheng, respectively in Beijing
Sunday.
At the Beijing Hospital, Wen extended greetings for the Chinese
Lunar New Year to 100-year-old Xue Muqiao and his family. The
premier spoke highly of Xue's contribution in boosting China's
economic reform and development, and the far-reaching effect of his
academic thoughts on China's economic research and
policy-making.
Wen later visited Chen Hansheng, 108, at the Beijing Union
Medical College Hospital. The premier praised Chen as a pioneer in
China's economic research and a devoted educationist with creative
thinking.
The premier called on the country's economists to learn from Xue
and Chen and carry forward the essence of their research. He also
asked relevant departments to ensure the well-being of old
economists after their retirement.
Both economists are academicians of the Chinese
Academy of Sciences. Xue's works have had an active role in
China's economic research since the 1930s. Chen, also a renowned
sociologist, historian and specialist on politics and international
issues, had studied in the United States and Germany before he
became a professor at the prestigious Beijing University in
1924.
(Xinhua News Agency January 26, 2004)