China, with limited natural resources and a large population, must tap its resources reasonably and protect the ecological environment, said Premier Wen Jiabao in a handwritten letter to pupils on the eve of the 35th World Earth Day.

The "Li Siguang class" of a primary school affiliated to Beijing Normal University sent Wen a letter recently to show their willingness to protect the earth and make the earth prettier.

The class was named after Li Siguang (1889-1971), a well-known Chinese geologist whose research led to the discovery and successful exploration of gas and oil fields in Daqing and Shengli regions and other mineral resources.

Wen wrote that he was glad to see the establishment of the "Li Siguang class," noting humans should save resources and protect the environment to make mankind and nature coexist in harmony.

He expressed his hope that pupils would have the awareness of caring for the earth, knowing the earth and protecting the earth since their childhood.

About 700 pupils from 100 "Li Siguang classes" in Beijing-based primary and middle schools held a meeting here Wednesday under a theme of "Li Siguang classes taking actions to protect land and resources." Wen's letter was read aloud at the meeting.

Gu Xiulian, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress and Hao Jianxiu, vice chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as well as other senior officials, conferred flags to those "Li Siguang classes" at the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2004)