Hu Jintao visited Qian Xuesen and Wu Wenjun

2008年01月19日

[News Network of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Editor’s note] Jan 19, President Hu Jintao visited Qian Xuesen, 1934 session alumna of Shanghai Jiaotong University, and Wu Wenjum, 1940 session alumna. We have reprinted information from the central government’s web portal to satisfy readers’ needs.

Photo by Lan Hongguang, Journalist of the Xinhua News Agency 

On Jan 19, Hu Jintao, General Secretary of CPC, President of PRC and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, came to Qian Xuesen’s home to visit this world famous scientist as well as an important founder of China’s aviation undertaking. The photo shows Hu Jintao having a cordial talk with Qian Xuesen.

97-year-old Qian Xuesen is a world famous scientist as well as the founder of the aerospace industry of China. As an excellent model of patriotic intellectuals, Qian Xuesen was honored the “Two Bombs and One Satellite Medal” and the title of “National Outstanding Contribution Scientist”.

Hu Jintao came to Qian Xuesen’s home in Haidian District, Beijing. Entering the bedroom, he came to the bed and held Qian Xuesen’s hands, saying: “Mr. Qian, nice to meet you. The Spring Festival is just around corner, so I come here to wish you and your family a happy new year!”

“Thank you!” said Qian Xuesen with smile on his face and the General Secretary’s hands in his hands.

Hu Jintao gave Qian Xuesen a flower basket with beautiful and vigorous colorful flowers.

Sitting on the bedside, Hu Jintao had a warm discussion with Qian Xuesen. 

Hu Jintao said affectionately: “During the early years of new China, you broke through various barriers with your patriotism and came back to China to participate in the socialist construction. After coming back to China, as the technology leader of rocket, missile and aerospace plans, you have sacrificed a lot to tackle key problems and made significant contribution to the ‘two bombs and one satellite’. After retired, you still cared about modernization construction as well as technology development. The Party and the people will never forget your outstanding contribution to the economy, technology and national defense of China”.

“I just got the chance.” Qian Xuesen said humbly.

During the conversation, Hu Jintao also said to Qian Xuesen: “you’ve always been interested in fostering and supporting young people, using your  profound knowledge and noble character to foster many excellent scientists, some of which have become leaders of our scientific and technical undertakings.” 

Once again, Qian Xuesen smiled humbly.

There was a pair of glasses and some materials on the customized mobile working platform. Although getting on in years and difficult to move, Qian Xuesen kept reading newspaper and learning everyday.

“Mr. Qian, you have made so many achievements in science, which benefited me a lot.” When mentioning the system engineering theory proposed by Qian Xuesen, Hu Jintao said: “I read about your relevant report when I studied in the Party School of the CPC in 1980s. Your theory indicated when dealing with complicated questions, we must focus on the whole and take all elements into consideration. That is a good idea. We now focus on scientific development which is exactly the same point: making overall plans and taking all factors into consideration, and focusing on all-round and sustainable development.” 

Qian Xuesen nodded with a smile.

In 1980s, Qian Xuesen proposed to take advantage of the unique natural conditions of desert areas to develop sand industry. At that time, he donated all his bonus to support the development of sand industry.

The General Secretary told Qian Xuesen: “not long ago, I went to Erdos in Inner Mongolia to make a survey. I found that the sand industry there was in good condition. Sand plant processing has become an industry, the ecosystem was recovering and people’s living standard has also been improved. Mr. Qian, your expectation is turning into reality.” 

Hearing the General Secretary’s words, Qian Xuesen was quite happy and said: “China is changing rapidly now, so does Tibet. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway has already been built.”

“We have overcome a lot of technological difficulties to build the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, especially solving the problem of building railway on on tundra. The railway runs well after opening to traffic. It has created favorable conditions for the development of Tibet.” the General Secretary took on the dialogue.

“Terrific!” Qian Xuesen said happily. When mentioning changes happened in China, the old scientist who has made great contribution to the nation and the people was quite excited. 

The General Secretary told Qian Xuesen: “currently, under the guidance of the spirit of the 17^th National Congress of CPC, the Party and all people are striving to win the battle of building a well-off society in an all-round way with full confidence. Please be assured that your lifelong pursuit of building a powerful country,  revitalizing the nation, enhancing people’s living standard and building a harmonious society will be realized.”

Later, Hu Jintao came to Qian Xuesen’s study. There were various books in his bookcase, demonstrating the owner’s profound knowledge and scientific spirit.

In last May, after the book Qian Xuesen’s Letters was published, Qian Xuesen gave the book to the General Secretary as a gift. Over 3000 letters are collected in this book, all of which are filled with his patriotism. This book perfectly indicates his rigorous scientific spirit and contains his academic thinking, leaving the General Secretary a deep impression. 

Hu Jintao said to Qian Xuesen’s family: “there are so many penetrating insights in this book, for example scientific research must be guided by Marxist philosophy, technology development  must focus on self-dependence, nation-building must improve people’s living environment, etc. All of these are full of strategic insights as well as practical significance.”

When leaving, Hu Jintao told Qian Xuesen’s family and relevant staff to take good care of him. 

People accompanied with Hu Jintao included: Lu Yongxiang, Vice Chairman of NPC Standing Committee and President of Chinese Academy of Sciences; Chen Zhili, State Councilor; Chang Wanquan, member of the Central Military Commission and Director of the General Armament Department, etc.