Vice-Premier Warns of Water Shortage 　　The survival of the Chinese nation is threatened by a shortage of water, Chinese vice-premier Wen Jiabao has told a group of eminent scientists, sources said January 19. 　　Wen warned that in the next century the Chinese population is expected to reach 1.6 billion and the water problem will be of worldwide concern. Thus, he urged the scientists to find better ways of utilizing and conserving water. 　　There will also be problems caused by pollution and, ironically, flooding, according to Wen, who was discussing these important issues with academicians from the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering. 　　According to sources from the meeting, held here recently, more than 100 scientists are engaged in a strategic program to draw up a plan to ensure a sustainable utilization of China's water resources. Their research will be completed by June 2000. HomeNews 1999-01-20 Page4 Full Story in Chinese