Premier Zhu Rongji and visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder today joined the first batch of passengers on Shanghai's new maglev train to experience a seven-minute VIP trip along the 31-kilometre line.

The maglev train links Shanghai's financial district with Pudong airport. It is China's first commercial transit system to use the magnetic levitation technology and is the fruit of the co-operation between China and Germany.

Before Schroeder arrived in Shanghai, the chancellor had separate meetings yesterday with President Jiang Zemin and Vice-President Hu Jintao in Beijing.

Schroeder said that Germany attaches great importance to long-term sound relations with China, which are in the fundamental interests of both countries.

The two sides' top leaders said they hoped to further expand co-operation and exchanges in various fields, including the economy and trade, science, education, the law and environmental protection.

Jiang briefed the chancellor on the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and stressed that China will not depart from its policy of opening-up.

Hu said that China and Germany have become important economic and trade partners.

The vice-president also highly praised Germany's adherence to the one-China policy. He noted that China valued Germany's role in promoting European integration and its important influence in maintaining world peace and stability.

Both Chinese and German top leaders yesterday vowed to enhance co-ordination and co-operation in the United Nations.

Schroeder said that both countries share common views on many international issues and both attach importance to the legitimate role of the UN in international affairs.

Given Germany's high regard for China's status in the international community, Schroeder said his country hopes to intensify consultations and cooperation with China within the UN framework.

In Shanghai, Schroeder delivered a speech at Tongji University, where he was awarded a honorary doctorate yesterday afternoon.

"In the new year, I hope the Iraq problem can be handled peacefully," Schroeder said. "And I will do my best for that."

Schroeder answered several questions asked by the university students about himself, the Sino-German relationship, and cultural and educational exchanges.

In his speech, Schroeder said multilateral cooperation is more necessary than ever in the process of economic and information globalization.

Tongji University President Wu Qidi presented Schroeder with the degree certificate and said it was an honor for the university and a symbol of Schroeder's friendship towards the Chinese people.

(China Daily December 31, 2002)