A group of over 10 experts from Republic of Korea (ROK) have completed a survey on ecological and desertification issues in northern China, and gathered first-hand data and samples for a Sino-ROK joint initiative on the handling of sandstorms.

The experts and scholars from ROK social, environmental and regional economic spheres have conducted on-site studies in the Inner Mongolian and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions and Gansu Province and held in-depth discussions over the control and handling of desertification and sandstorms in these areas.

Since the early 1990s, both China and the ROK have been affected by sandstorms to varying extent. The ROK experts hold that China has made important achievements in the sector, including the establishment of the world's renowned wind tunnel lab.

The ROK experts have also decided to hold a Sino-ROK sandstorm symposium this September in the ROK in a bid to further bilateral cooperative efforts.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2003)