Senior Chinese leader Jia Qinglin has called on governments at all levels to strive to beat SARS, while continuing to promote social and economic development.
Jia, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, made the call during his May 11 to 19 inspection tour of Hebei Province in north China and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China.
He inspected enterprises, rural areas, hospitals and disease control and prevention centers, communities, market places, and educational institutions.
Jia, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, called on the whole country to remain vigilant against the disease despite initial progress in preventing treating SARS.
He stressed the need to improve "national strength" through economic development during the nationwide struggle against the disease, describing national strength as the foundation for the country to overcome various difficulties.
(Xinhua News Agency May 20, 2003)
