After hearing reports of medical experts on disease prevention and control, Wen said the government always gave top priority to public health and safety and governments at all levels should pay much attention to preventing and treating the disease.

As a member nation, China has maintained close links with the World Health Organization (WHO), and from April 1 had been providing relevant information and data to the WHO and cooperating with WHO experts in studying atypical pneumonia, said Wen, adding that public health departments would publish regular disease bulletins and promote prevention methods across the country.

Deeply concerned about the spread of SARS in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Taiwan, the mainland was ready to carry out further cooperation with them on the prevention and treatment of the disease, Wen said.

China enjoyed steady economic growth, social and political stability and normal public order, said Wen, adding the disease was under effective control in the affected areas and had not been found in the most parts of China.

The Chinese government and people still welcomed visitors from around the world and would take all necessary measures to safeguard their health and safety, Wen said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 6, 2003)