Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Friday attended a Beijing science symposium to commemorate 60 years of scientific research by Chinese-born Nobel laureate Tsung Dao Lee.

The symposium is also in a sense a birthday gift from Chinese academics to Dr. Lee, who turns 80 on Friday.

In front of nearly 700 Chinese and overseas physicians and experts, Wen walked to the lecture stage in the Great Hall of the People, flanked by Dr. Lee and Chinese nuclear physicist Zhu Guangya.

"Dr. Lee's marvellous career in exploring science demonstrates his devotion to science and the pursuit of truth. His remarkable achievements and his contribution to the world is a source of pride for all the Chinese people," said Wen in a congratulatory letter read to the audience.

"As a friend, I am very proud of Dr. Lee and hope he can achieve even greater success in the future," Wen said.

The symposium was hosted by Bai Chunli, deputy president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). Scientists and experts from the CAS, the National Committee of Natural Science Fund, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education made speeches about Dr. Lee's contribution to China's scientific development.

Veteran Chinese leaders Zhu Rongji, Li Lanqing and CAS President Lu Yongxiang also sent letters of congratulation to the symposium.

Dr. Lee told Wen at the symposium that he will continue research in physics and do more for China's science and scientific education.

Lee was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 1957 jointly with Chen Ning Yang for their penetrating analysis of the law of parity conservation, an analysis that led to a series of significant discoveries on particle physics.

Lee, who won the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award in 1995, is now professor of Theoretical Physics at Columbia University in the United States, and a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

Source: Xinhua