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Scientists Back Beijing's Olympic Bid
Beijing's bid for a Scientific Games has earned a boost as scientists from China's top science and technology bodies voiced their firm support to the city's race for the 2008 Olympic Games on Monday.
About 20 members of the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) expressed their optimism that Beijing is able to stage a Games equipped with the state-of-the art technology.
"Since the reform and opening-up drive was initiated in the late 1970s, China has caught up with developed countries in many scientific fields," said Wei Jichun, a scientist in microbiology.
He said that the latest map and preliminary conclusion on the human genome by experts from China and other five countries indicate China is on a par with the developed countries in this field.
"Though our role in the gene sequencing research only accounted for one percent of the joint efforts, China is the only developing country allowed to join the project," he said.
"Science and technology is developing rapidly in China. I am confident that seven years later China can fully live up to its commitments to a Scientific Games," he added.
Geologist Ren Jixun recalled China's feats of developing satellite and exploring Daqing Oil Field in the 1960s.
"The conditions are much better now and I think Beijing is fully capable of staging a technologically advanced Games in 2008, " he said.
Zhang Xiangtong, a 93-year-old CAS member, wrote to the Beijing Olympic Bid Committee: " "I sincerely hope the five-ring Olympic flag will be hoisted in Beijing when I am 100."
"I believe, if awarded the hosting right of the 2008 Games, Beijing is certain to add a new dimension to the Olympic Movement, " said Wu Xinzhi, another CAS member,
Wei Jichun explained his perspective of the Olympic Movement, saying Beijing should carry on the Olympic spirit whether it wins or loses in the race.
"The Olympic spirit represents fair play, peace and development. It will be the common aspirations to establish a new world order by means of the Olympic spirit," said Wei.
Beijing, Paris, Toronto, Osaka and Istanbul are in the race for the 2008 Games. The International Olympic Committee will make the final vote on the host in July 13 at Moscow.
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