In Beijing, a symposium has opened on preventing the spread of disease in areas hit by last December's deadly tsunami. Organized by China and ASEAN, the symposium is being attended by representatives from the World Health Organization and Indian Ocean countries affected by the disaster.

The China-AEAN Symposium on Post-Disaster Epidemic Prevention was convened at the Beijing State Guest Hotel this morning. Chinese Vice-Minister of Health, Wang Longde, hosted the conference. He said China has been showing deep concern about the post-tsunami relief work.

Wang Longde, vice-minister of Chinese Health Ministry, said, "China has provided all kinds of assistance with post-disaster relief work. And we will continue our cooperation with the international community to offer any possible help."

Over ten representatives from tsunami-hit countries were invited to attend the two-day symposium. ASEAN official, Bounpheng Philav, headed the delegation. He said great efforts have been made to prevent the spread of epidemics since the disaster.

The symposium also deals with establishing an early warning system for epidemic prevention and control in the aftermath of similar disasters.

(CCTV.com March 18, 2005)