Chinese Prime Minister awarded King Charles II medal
27 June 2011
The Royal Society today awarded the King Charles II medal to Mr Wen Jiabao, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
The medal was awarded at a special ceremony at the Royal Society, where Premier Wen gave the only speech of his UK visit.
Since taking office in 2003, Premier Wen has overseen one of the most ambitious programmes of national research investment the world has ever seen. Science and technology have been placed at the heart of China’s planning and national development and it is recognised as a common value to human kind through school and university education
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society speaking at the ceremony said: “Co-operation based on openness, the free exchange of ideas and mutual respect, allows a shared sense of purpose in addressing global problems. It increases enlightenment and leads to a better quality of life for all. China and Britain both have long traditions of science and its application. We have much we can learn from each other and much we can gain from collaboration.”
The King Charles II medal is awarded to foreign Heads of State or Government who have made an outstanding contribution to furthering scientific research in their country.
Speeches
The text of the speeches are now available:
Audio recordings of the event are available in English and Mandarin:
Video recordings of the event in English and Mandarin: