Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing Saturday called on teachers at four Beijing-based universities during a pre-Chinese Lunar New Year visit.

During his visit, the vice-premier extended New Year greetings to staff members of the Beijing Foreign Studies University and the China University of Political Science and Law, and discussed teaching reforms with presidents and teachers.

He called on the Beijing Foreign Studies University to train more and better qualified professionals specializing in foreign languages to meet the country's growing needs.

During his visit to the China University of Political Science and Law, the vice-premier told the university staff that there is a great need for well-trained professionals specializing in law as China is promoting the rule of law.

The vice-premier also paid visits to two professors working for the Beijing Film Academy and the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts.

(Xinhua News Agency February 10, 2002)