Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi (center, back row), and Vice-President of China Disabled Persons' Federation Wang Xinxian (left, back row), pose with Sichuan quake survivors Li Yue, Liao Bo and Guo Tingting (left to right, front row) yesterday.(Photo: China Daily) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Sept. 15 -- The three spokespersons of the Foreign Ministry made a rare joint appearance on Saturday - not over some critical diplomatic issue but to welcome a group of special guests.

    "Welcome to the Foreign Ministry!" spokesman Liu Jianchao told 11-year-old Li Yue, who lost her left leg in the May 12 earthquake. The girl shot to stardom after her ballet performance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Paralympics.

    "Your performance at the opening ceremony moved billions of people around the world. You've made a special contribution to Chinese diplomacy," Liu said.

    Li was among 37 physically challenged people invited to the ministry, including two other students from the quake-hit area.

    "We've made full preparations for the guests," Liu said. "We want them to have a comfortable and happy experience here."

    Several diplomats introduced the ministry's daily work and its contributions to serving physically challenged people. China played a positive role in pushing forward the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which took effect in May, Liu told the visitors.

    "The spokespersons are quite amiable, totally different from what I thought," said Liao Bo, a 17-year-old student from Beichuan Middle School, Sichuan, who lost his left leg after being buried for more than 20 hours. He has received treatment in Beijing since June and will enter Beijing No 4 Middle School, one of the best middle schools in the capital, this autumn.

    Liao was even more surprised to see Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who had been waiting for them in another hall with Xavier Gonzalez, CEO of the International Paralympic Committee.

    "Dear children, I hope you can face your life and difficulties strongly. The gate of the ministry is always open to you," said Yang, who accompanied the youngsters on a visit to the Paralympic village.

    When meeting famous South African Olympic and Paralympic swimmer Natalie du Toit, he introduced Li Yue to her.

    "Li Yue is still a little girl yet quite strong. She represents the spirit of perseverance of Chinese people," Yang said.

    "I saw her performance at the opening ceremony; she did a great job," Du Toit said, smiling to Li.

    Li also received great encouragement from China's Paralympians.

    "As long as you cherish your dream, be independent, confident and strive to be stronger, you will be a winner in your life," Wu Guojing, the Beijing Paralympic gold medalist of powerlifting in men's 52 kg division told her when putting his gold medal around her neck.

    The girl nodded. "I believe I can go on dancing and dance better."

    (Source: China Daily)