Fu Chenghao/Shanghai Daily news

Chinese stocks closed slightly higher yesterday partly inspired by an official's positive market remark which helped steelmakers and property developers.
The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers yuan-denominated A shares and foreign-currency B shares, edged up 0.35 percent to 1,127.51. The A-share Index also added 0.35 percent to 1,185.70 while the B-share Index added 0.08 percent to 60.00.
The Shenzhen Composite Index that tracks China's smaller bourse put up 0.99 percent to 273.05.
Nie Qingping, vice chairman of the Securities Association of China, said the domestic stock market is a long term "buy," citing the nation's strong economic growth, increasing foreign capital inflow and anticipation of the system improving, the China Securities Journal reported.
"The index may further advance in coming weeks," said analyst Lin Xuenong at Huaxia Securities Co. But he added: "Anyway, market confidence relies more on measures and policies rather than comments."
Steel shares were driven up by rotational play after having hit their bottom in mid-November when the industry suffered a glut, another dealer said.
Handan Iron & Steel Co gained 4.38 percent to 3.10 yuan (38 US cents) and Panzhihua New Steel & Vanadium Co closed 3.76 percent higher at 3.59 yuan. Baoshan Iron & Steel Co rose 1.28 percent to 3.97 yuan while Wuhan Iron & Steel Co rose 2.24 percent to 2.74 yuan.
Property shares also rose with China Vanke Co surging 1.67 percent and Gemdale adding 1.44 percent.
Poultry-related counters finished stronger after the State Administration of Taxation issued preferential policies to help them better survive the bird flu outbreak.
Shanghai Dajiang (Group) Stock Co jumped 3.78 percent to 3.02 yuan. Inner Mongolia Prairie Xingfa Co rose 2.49 percent to end at 2.88 yuan.