China's most famous scientist was rolled out by the authorities yesterday to condemn the outlawed Falun Gong sect.
Official media reported that President Jiang Zemin and Vice-Premier Li Lanqing visited Qian Xuesen at his home in Beijing. Professor Qian helped design and test China's nuclear bombs and missiles in the 1950s.
The President praised the 88-year-old professor for his contribution to China's scientific developments and discussed with him its recent successful launch and recovery of an unmanned spacecraft.
In response, the professor gave his 'unreserved support' to the leaders' decision to crackdown on the Falun Gong.
'Falun Gong is an evil cult with political motives, and deserves the banning and criticism,' the professor was quoted by Xinhua as saying.
'The struggle against evil cults like Falun Gong must be thorough and resolute and we cannot be soft on them.
