The fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has made significant progress and its impact on economic development is increasingly evident, said senior CPC leader Li Changchun.
Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of northeast China's Jilin Province from May 30 to June 4.
"We should maintain vigilance in SARS prevention and treatment and also strengthen economic work," said Li, adding that, while it is important to achieve an absolute victory over SARS, it is equally important to maintain the relatively rapid growth of the national economy.
Li visited large enterprises, residential quarters, rural families, the provincial center for disease control and prevention in Changchun and Jilin cities and the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture.
He pointed out that, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Hu Jintao as its general secretary, China has made remarkable achievements in SARS prevention and treatment.
However, "the fight against SARS is arduous, and we should remain alert with respect to SARS prevention work," noted Li. He also stressed that development is the top priority for governing the country and cannot be ignored.
Li stressed that cultural development must proceed in line with the requirements of a socialist market economy. Chinese artists are encouraged to produce more cultural works to meet the people's demand for culture.
(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2003)
