In a meeting on Wednesday with Stephen Hawking and a handful of other prominent scientists, Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili said the Chinese government will pour sustained investment into advanced scientific research.

In scientific research, Chen said, international cooperation is vitally important. "China welcomes global scientists to work in China and hopes to see more international research collaborations, " she said.

Research collaborations between Chinese and foreign scientists will benefit the whole of society, Chen said.

Chen also discussed the current level of global scientific research and Chinese research planning with the scientists.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2006)