Hawking, who is almost totally paralyzed except for three fingers, is in China for the upcoming International Congress of Mathematicians 2002.

He told the press Sunday that he didn't know a great deal about Chinese universities, but he added, "Some of them are world class, or soon will be."

What the scientist found most impressive during his second visit to China is that "there are traffic jams", while in 1985, "there were bicycles".

The explorer of space-time said he is glad to attend the highest-ranking academic conference, saying it is nice that China is on the list of top meeting places.

"I don't think my disability has had much effect on my scientific work," said the scientist, who enjoys life and gets great happiness from music and his family.

The International Congress of Mathematicians 2002 is scheduled to be held in Beijing from August 20 to 28, when more than 4,000 mathematicians from around the world are expected to discuss the latest advancements in the field.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2002)