Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met yesterday in Beijing with an American delegation from the Committee of 100, whose members are all Chinese Americans.

Li said that the committee, composed of celebrated Chinese Americans, has worked long and hard to advance the understanding and friendship of the Chinese and American peoples and should be commended for that.

Li also said US lawmakers are welcome to visit China to gain a better understanding of the people on the other side of the Pacific.

John L. Fugh, head of the delegation, said that Chinese Americans feel proud of the elevation of China's position in the world, especially after its accession to the World Trade Organization and Beijing's successful bidding to host the 2008 Olympics.

Premier Zhu Rongji and Vice-Premier Qian Qichen also met the delegation yesterday.

Zhu expressed the hope that the Committee of 100 would continue to make efforts to help China's modernization and the development of Sino-US relationships.

Praising the delegates as "outstanding representatives of Chinese Americans," Qian said China thanks them for their long-term concern for and support of China's modernization, as well as their commitment to promoting friendship between the Chinese and American peoples.