In a letter to the opening ceremony, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said science was a strong weapon in winning the fight against SARS.

"We ultimately need to rely on science, major breakthroughs in SARS diagnosis, treatment and prevention to defeat SARS. We need to rely on science to dispel panic among the people," Wen said in the letter.

"Scientific thoughts and attitudes will help people to acquire confidence and courage, and help them to get rid of superstitious thoughts and fatuity," Wen said.

Wen said the SARS outbreak was a calamity as well as a test of the Chinese nation. A great and intelligent people was bound to learn much from a calamity and would gain more understanding of the world and science.

For this reason, the national week held at this unusual period was of particular significance, said Wen.

He believed that after this ordeal, China would emerge stronger and more mature, and become more dynamic and prosperous.

During the science week, scientific and technological workers will disseminate scientific knowledge and methods of SARS control through the Internet, television, radio and newspapers.

State Councilor Chen Zhili attended the on-line opening ceremony, an event held annually since 2001.

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2003)