Schroeder made the statement while delivering a speech on Monday at the Shanghai Tongji University after he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the university.

He cited the facts that China is the seventh strongest economy and the sixth biggest trade power in the world, and China has the second most foreign exchange reserve and takes a lead in economic growth rates in the region.

Schroeder praised Shanghai's opening spirit to the outside world and its vitality in economic reform, saying the dynamic environment played a very positive role in winning the hosting right of the 2010 World Expo.

He expressed the belief that the 2010 World Expo would further accelerate Shanghai's development in all fields and help attract more investors. Shanghai's success in the bid also reflected China's increasing influence in the international community.

The German chancellor also borrowed the university's name "Tongji" to describe the long-term partnership between the two countries. "Tongji" in Chinese means people in the same situation help each other.

Schroeder, who had never received an honorary degree in universities outside Germany, said he regarded his award at Tongji as a high praise for good Germany-China relations.

The university was established 95 years ago by a German doctor.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2002)