Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), visited Niujie, a Muslim-populated area in China's capital, Tuesday, on eve of the Spring Festival, the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year which falls on Jan. 22 this year.

During his trip, Jia visited the family of a handicapped couple and their daughter. The man is jobless, the wife has retired, and the daughter is a high school student. The couple enjoys government subsidies for people living under the poverty line.

When talking with local people, the official called for substantial care for the life and work of ethnic minorities in the country, especially those who are suffering from poverty.

Jia also visited the newly-decorated Niujie Mosque and saluted local religious leaders for the festival.

(Xinhua News Agency January 21, 2004)