President Jiang Zemin yesterday told delegates attending this year's meeting of the International Council of the Museum of Television and Radio in Beijing that he hoped the world media would strengthen exchanges and cooperation with their Chinese counterparts.

According to the State Council's Information Office, Jiang told the guests that the radio and television sector is also undergoing a continued process of industrialization as well as reform. Jiang reassured them that China will further open up now that it is a member of the World Trade Organization.

Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said the media play an irreplaceable role in promoting understanding and clearing up misunderstanding and biased opinions.

The Chinese leaders' words were echoed by Frank A. Bennack Jr., chairman of the museum's board of trustees, who said his organization will help the world to know more about China.

James Murdoch, president of the Hong Kong Star TV Group and younger son of Rupert Murdoch, said in an interview that "the progress made by Star TV channel in Guangdong is much better than expected." He said Star TV will launch a new sports programme in March.

Henry Kissinger, former United States secretary of state and member of the advisory commission presidium of the museum's international council, stressed the importance of US-China relations at a banquet.

The meeting began yesterday and will finish today.

(China Daily November 7, 2002)