China to Retain Policy on Sending Students Abroad 　　Vice-Premier Li Lanqing said Febuaru 4 that the policy of sending students abroad for advanced studies is an important component of the reform and opening-up policies and must be long retained. 　　Li, a Standing Committee member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee's Political Bureau, said that appropriate attention should center on nurturing outstanding students who will play a crucial role in developing high technology in the new century. 　　He urged all government departments and localities to improve the environment for returning students and to adopt effective measures to solve difficulties in their work and life. 　　Li made the comments during a meeting with representatives attending a meeting on the achievements of students who have completed studies abroad and returned home to work. 　　Over 100,000 students have completed studies abroad and returned home to work over the past 20 years, said Li, adding that "returned students have emerged as an important force in the socialist modernization drive." HomeNews 1999-02-05 Page1 Full Story in Chinese