1. Shanghai Morning Post: I have two questions, the first being for Director Mao of the Shanghai Urban Planning Administration Bureau: you have mentioned a transportation plan, in the 'General Plan of Chongming, Changxing and Hengsha Islands', which covers the bridge and tunnel project and also the No.9 Metro line. Is there any connection between the two projects and when will they be completed? My second question: it was reported by Xinhua yesterday that bird flu cases were confirmed in Huainan City in Anhui Province. Are any new preventative measures being taken in Shanghai? Local citizens are concerned about the vaccines used for both poultry and humans. Have local scientific research units participated in studying such vaccines, and is there anything new to report? Thanks!

Mao Jialiang: The public is paying a great deal of attention to the tunnel and bridge project over the Yangtze River. It is a key project that Chongming started to construct for the new century. The 25.5-kilometer project commenced at the end of last year, with an 8.9-kilometer tunnel and a 10.3-kilometer bridge. A 6.3-kilometer elevated highway will also be built on Changxing Island to link the tunnel with the bridge. The project is expected to be completed by 2010. The tunnel has the largest diameter of any seabed tunnel in the world, at 15-meter outer and 13.7-meter inner. The No.9 metro line will run from Songjiang District to Pudong, from where it will be linked to Changxing Island by tunnel. From Changxing, it will run across a bridge to Chongming Island. City planners are now conducting feasibility studies on how to connect the subway with the bridge.

Jiao Yang: The public and media are very concerned about bird flu prevention. You must know that the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Party Committee reviewed the latest reports yesterday and Party Secretary Chen Liangyu made key instructions and arrangements. Today, the media has reported them fully. Recently, the standing committee has reviewed systems of bird flu prevention and Mayor Han Zheng also put forward his ideas. Currently, local work is being conducted in a strict and orderly way. In accordance with the requirements concerning the prevention of the highly pathogenic avian flu laid down by the State Council, the Shanghai Party Committee and the Shanghai Municipal government, Shanghai has consistently given top priority to bird flu prevention and to the establishment of an efficient long-term management system combining emergency-response procedures as well.

Now I shall tell you about the progress of local preventative measures against bird flu:

Firstly, the enhancement of monitoring and early-warning systems against the epidemic; we strengthened supervision of poultry farms and focused more on key areas and live-poultry from outside the city. Regarding the water-fowl at Chongming Dongtan Nature Reserve, coastal areas of Fengxian District and the surrounding areas of Dingshan Lake, we are on top of the situation and early-warning systems are in place to ensure we are fully prepared against any outbreak. We also increased cooperation with the agricultural and forestry departments to keep a close-eye on local migratory birds through 14 observation sites and also collect samples for inspection. We enhanced checks on live-poultry from outside the city and barred those whose antibody-levels failed to meet the requirements for entering the city.

Secondly, the strengthening of local point-of-entry quarantine and inspection; vehicles transporting animals and animal products must enter the city through eight designated points. Quarantine supervision procedures are currently more strict: 24-hour checking of documentation , examination & disinfection of goods and punishment of those who break the regulations; poultry and poultry products from, or which have just passed through, affected areas are forbidden from entering; live chickens without quarantine certificates from their points of origin, sterilization certificates or certificates to show they are not from affected areas are forbidden from entering the city, with all other poultry (excluding live chickens) barred from entry; besides needing quarantine certificates from their points of origin, live chickens in all transport vehicles are checked on a random basis, and at the city's 12 points of entry suspected cases will be impounded and reported to the relevant departments, with special animal quarantine personnel sent to other entrances and exits.

Thirdly, Reinforcing supervision of poultry market sales; the city has enhanced the tracking and monitoring of all wholesale and retail markets allowed to sell live chickens and controls the total volume of live chickens entering the city. Shanghai only has three wholesale markets, with strict quarantine and disinfection measures in-place. Live-chicken retailers can only sell at the 461 retail markets designated by the government. Abnormal situations in the markets will be reported and handled promptly. All chickens sold on the wholesale markets must have certificates to document that they have been through quarantine and those from outside the city must have additional checks at the quarantine stations at the city's perimeter. Retail markets must operate in a standardized way, with sellers and slaughterers following a strict code of personal preventative measures. Poultry which dies from disease must be handled in an environmentally-friendly way, with waterfowl and rare birds banned from sale. Sales at places outside the designated wholesale and retail markets will also be forbidden. Shanghai is keeping a close eye on the progress of the epidemic and will adopt counter-measures if any incident occurs.

Fourthly, intensified immunization and sterilization. Compulsory immunization is an effective measure to counter bird flu. We've intensified the oversight and inspection of the immunization program. We check the number of poultry at a farm, the number of vaccines the farmers received and used, the antibody examinations and the immunization record files so as to ensure the work is done properly. Local farms are required to implement safety measures such as self-quarantine, sterilization and the prevention of contact between poultry and wild birds to enhance their disease-resisting capabilities, eradicate sources of infection and cut the channels by which the disease spreads, so that we can reduce the potential for an outbreak. Immunization of pigeons is done by the local pigeon association now. 

Fifthly, ensure management at different levels has defined responsibilities and keep detailed reports on the situation. The government has further improved the rapid-response plan for bird flu prevention and control and drafted more detailed plans to deal with situations at different levels so as to maintain effective control. We've implemented a daily and weekly reporting policy to  keep track of what has been done as regards prevention and control.

Sixthly, intensify publicity on bird flu. Raising public awareness of bird flu prevention and control is a key link in our overall work to prevent an outbreak. On the one hand, we'll use the media to raise public awareness concerning bird flu prevention and control and the prevention of epidemics, while enhancing citizen's self-protection capabilities. On the other hand, we're also leading the farmers towards a more scientific way of operating, trying to change their production methods. Our calculations for the three major local media groups, Jiefang, Wenhui-Xinmin and SMG, show that there have been more than 1,500 articles or reports on bird flu prevention and control since the beginning of October. This coverage has raised public awareness and enhanced confidence in the city's prevention and control work. 　　

The local animal epidemic prevention and control office has distributed pamphlets detailing the prevention and control work, used posters and hotlines and organized training courses to disseminate the relevant information.

Seventhly, accelerate the development of an emergency-response system and stocks of material. We'll improve our emergency-response plans at both the district and municipal levels. We'll set up a mechanism so as to be fully prepared for a possible outbreak so that once an epidemic occurs, the plan will be implemented and we can detect it and react promptly and resolutely. We'll definitely stop the epidemic from spreading at the very beginning and restrict it to the original locale. As required by the plan, we'll prepare all kinds of materials needed for prevention and control, including an ample daily supply of vaccines. We'll be strict with our supervision, try to detect the disease at an early stage, get prepared with good planning, and combat it speedily in the case of an outbreak.

This week, the relevant government departments are launching an overhaul of district- and municipal-level farming centers, markets and exit and entry points to make sure the prevention and control work is going smoothly. Oversight on the farms focuses on compulsory immunization, segregation, the implementation of the ban on mixed breeding, a responsibility tracking system and the emergency-response plan. Oversight on the exit-entry points focuses on the implementation of 24-hour routine checks, the blocking of any poultry and poultry products transported from infected regions, the work and responsibilities of the public security assistants and the road management assistants, and the work of the district- and county-level animal epidemic prevention assistants. Oversight on markets focuses on the implementation of the ban on unauthorized trading outside of the markets, the trading of water fowl and of exotic and rare fowl, as well as the procedures required at the designated trading centers. All the supervisory measures aim to ensure smooth implementation of the prevention and control measures.

Moreover, the Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, CAS, has also initiated a research project to seek a cure.

2. Eastday.com: How are the relocation projects relating to the 2010 World Expo progressing? What principles is the relocation based on?
Jiao Yang: Led by the organizing and implementation commission, we've launched in-depth research and studies and drafted regulations. The rules stress that relocation is a state policy in line with the city's current local policies with regard to the World Expo.

To avoid unnecessary social upheaval, the policy retains the unity and stability of the existing policies relating to monetary compensation and standards for relocated families. Compensation standards for residents are in accordance with the related 2001 regulations on relocation and land reclamation. There are no new rules relating to that. Compensation standards for companies relate to the rules on non-residential relocation projects along both banks of the Huangpu River.

Our principles are as follows. Firstly, to abide by the law and protect the relocated families' legal rights. Secondly, to pay reasonable compensation that reflects current market value. Thirdly, to provide homes for the relocated families as a priority. Fourthly, to offer help over the difficult transition-period. Fifth, to play-fair by all the families involved. Sixth, to make the implementation transparent and all the policies open to public scrutiny. Seventh, to have disciplined and strict management of the moving process. Eight, to set up a network to listen to and deal with resident's complaints

The Shanghai World Expo Organizing Committee, the Executive Office and city leaders attach high importance to the relocation work, and have paid several visits to the relocation areas and construction sites of the new homes. They are concerned about the well-being of relocated people. 
I've learnt that new homes slated for people relocated from the World Expo site are mainly in the two residential quarters in Pujiang and Sanlin. With a total construction space of 2 million square meters, the public areas and follow-up commercial facilities there will cover over 350,000 square meters.  Put another way, the average living space of each family will be increased to over 70 square meters in the new homes from the 30 square meters of their previous residences.  Well-equipped and convenient, the new homes have a beautiful environment.  Moreover, the government continues to deliberate on how to improve conditions and facilitate their daily-living and work routines once they move in.

The designated relocation areas will accomodate over 18,000 families from 18 neighborhood communities of six sub-districts in the three districts of Huangpu, Luwan and Pudong.  Most of them express understanding and support for the move, which is planned for completion by the end of next year.

Starting in late March, some 15,000 families, or 80 percent of the total, had signed relocation agreements by November 14. The rate is 98.4 percent for those in Pudong New Area, 93 percent for Luwan and 55 percent for Huangpu.  As regards businesses on the site, nearly 90 percent have signed agreements to move.  The rate is expected to hit 100 percent by year-end and the relocation work is expected to be completed by the end of 2006.

3. National Business Daily: I have three questions for Director Mao.  Of the over 1,000 square kilometers of Chongming Island, there are parcels of land owned by Shanghai Industrial Investment Holdings Co Ltd (SIIC), Shanghai Nonggongshang Co Ltd and Jiangsu Province.  What's the intended use of these parcels in the overall island development plan?  Take SIIC for example. So far as we know, the group's Dongtan unit has a contract with a UK company there.  So, according to the plan, what will be done with the land in the Dongtan area, and when will the development commence? 
It's rumored that a race track will be built on the island.  Is this true, and is there any land reserved for this project?  Has planning permission been granted?  As planned, there will be a key, experimental ecological community in the Dongtan area.  Where precisely will it be and which company will develop it?
Thanks!

Mao Jialiang: Currently in Chongming, besides the townships and villages, there are farms operated by the state or military units and two townships, namely Haimen and Qidong, under the jurisdiction of Jiangsu Province.  In the plan, all land parcels on the three islands of Chongming are included no matter who they belong to, and they will be developed according to the overall plan.  In this way the development of these three islands will ensure a sustainable future for all concerned.   Particularly regarding state-owned farms, which boast of modern agricultural practices, use of land for development projects must gain the approval of the Chongming county government and planning bureau, which will evaluate proposals according to the master plan and its criteria.  Only in this way can we implement the overall plan effectively. 
SIIC has 84 square kilometers of land in the Dongtan area. Despite that, it is now actively participating in the construction of Chenjia Town, which is one of the ten key development townships in the overall plan.  The company will also participate in the area's development in terms of education, entertainment and other industries, with the priority being protection of natural resources in the Dongtan area.
As for the race track, there is no such project so far, despite suggestions for the development of an equestrian center being made during the planning stage.  Given the fact that Dongtan is a state-level ecological protection zone, the focus is on protection and conservation.  To achieve that, SIIC and Chongming county government departments are conducting trial operations there.

4. SETV: So far as we know, there are about 450,000 college students in Shanghai.  What proportion of them are needy students?  What measures have Shanghai's higher education institutions initiated to help them?

Jiao Yang: You are right in saying that there are about 450,000 college students in Shanghai.  Data for this year is still being calculated.  So, I'm sorry we can't give you the precise number of needy students for this year. But the figure for last year can provide a reference.  Of the over-450,000 students, including postgraduates, on-campus at local colleges, there were more than 70,000 needy students from families of monthly income below 400 yuan per capita and over 35,000 very needy students from those of below 280 yuan.  They represent 16 percent and nearly 8 percent respectively of the total students on-campus.

Currently, there are five measures available to universities to aid these needy students.

1. The setting-up of scholarships to help needy students who achieve excellent results.  In 2004,  the total number of such scholarships awarded in the city's colleges exceeded 32 million yuan, benefiting 20,000-odd students.  Of the total sum, 10,7 million yuan consisted of state-sponsored scholarships, benefiting 2,400-plus students.

2. To further implement the new state policy on tuition loans.  The maximum annual loan for each needy student is 6,000 yuan. Last autumn, thanks to the Municipal Financial Bureau, the People's Bank of China Shanghai Branch and the Municipal Banking Regulatory Commission,  63 local universities confirmed their operating banks, by inviting public bids, for allocation of money to their needy students. Meanwhile, the extra interest on tuition loans and security deposits to cover risks (including some loan programs in the academies run by local people or companies) were also guaranteed.  Last year, a total of 31,794 needy students received 250 million yuan in State-subsidized student loans.

3. To create more part-time jobs on or off-campus for needy students. Last year, 85,000-odd students benefitted from income derived from part-time jobs, which ammounted to over 60 million yuan.

4. To implement the system of tuition remission or reduction.  In 2004, local universities reduced or remissed the expenses of 7,455 needy students by 21,755,600 yuan.

5. To grant provisional financial aid to the needy. The total sum of allowances, 10,100,000 yuan, paid-out by local universities and colleges last year benefitted over 30,000 students.
In addition, this financial-aid fund collected 19 million yuan from the public in 2004, benefiting 14,640 students.  This year, the number of needy students in receipt of state-sponsored scholarships and stipends stands at 567 and 10,681 respectively.

5. Jiefang Daily: I have two questions for Director Mao.  One is about the No. 9 Metro line.  Can you reveal to us the exact location of the stations on this new line?
And what is the earliest completion-date of the whole project?
And, as we all know, visitors will go to the Expo Parks mainly via the cross-river tunnels which are planned by the municipality.  Can you tell us something about this?

Mao Jialiang: According to our original blueprint, the No. 9 Metro line will run from Songjiang District, in western Shanghai, through Xujiahui, cross the Huangpu River and reach Waigaoqiao in Pudong.  That was the plan.  Now, we think the construction from Songjiang to Guilin Rd, to the south of Xujiahui, presents no problems.  However, the building of a traffic transfer hub consisting of three Metro lines in the Xujiahui area is a little complex. 
Thanks to the support and effort of the construction and traffic commission of Xujiahui District, the final layout of this hub has been decided upon.
The three lines set to meet under the Xujiahui area are the existing No. 1 Metro line, the under-construction No. 9 Metro line and the to-be-built No. 11 Metro line, which will be from Jiading District.
To make transfers between these three lines more convenient, the entrance of the hub will be at the underground shopping center of Grand Gateway, a major shopping mall in Xujiahui.
All the relevant administrations of the municipality contributed to the overcoming of this sticking point in the construction of the new line.  The layout of this hub is finally decided, despite the difficulties.
In accordance with the master plan for the three islands, Changxing, Chongming and Hengsha, the No. 9 Metro line will head north from Waigaoqiao.
I have mentioned the detailed plan of this.  At the moment, the feasibility of this blueprint is under research by the relevant departments.

6. Channel NewsAsia (CNA): The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied rumours that Shanghai and Beijing received terror threats. Do the rumours, which came from the United States, have anything to do with the forthcoming visits to China by US President George W. Bush and California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger? What's the municipal government's view on the terror threats?

Jiao Yang: Does the term "terror threats" as used in your question refer only to the danger facing Shanghai or also to that facing the whole world? Different regions have different risk-levels. I believe the terror threat is a false alarm if you refer only to Shanghai.
Of course we have noticed that global terrorist groups have been active recently. The municipal government strongly supports local counter-terrorism efforts. As a metropolis, Shanghai will take the necessary security measures to protect the life and property of all its inhabitants. Unremitting efforts are made to improve the city's security and emergency-response capability. Our routine tasks include conducting counter-terrorism exercises and safety inspections. There is no evidence that a terrorist attack is looming for the city.
Please consult with director Mao after the press conference if interested in what he said just now. Since the vice-head of Chongming County is here, you can interview him about the development plans of Chongming and nearby Changxing and Hengsha islands after the conference.