Two of China's best-known authors on rural problems yesterday met Angela Merkel in Beijing, saying they hoped the meeting would encourage policymakers in Beijing to think more about the plight of mainland farmers.
Chen Guidi and wife Wu Chuntao - authors of the best seller An Investigation of Chinese Farmers - were invited to meet the German chancellor along with two other representatives of non-government organisations involved in migrant workers' affairs.
German officials said Dr Merkel would raise issues such as human rights with central government leaders during her visit.
Chen said they spent about 40 minutes with Dr Merkel, who appeared to have a good understanding of the issues they discussed.
During their meeting, Chen said they talked about the san nong problems - related to rural areas, agriculture and farmers - China's reform of the agricultural tax, the effectiveness of the government's agricultural policies and difficulties faced by migrant workers.
Chen said Dr Merkel understood China faced a widening wealth gap between urban and rural areas. He was hopeful the meeting would have an effect on policymakers. 'If the German chancellor is concerned, this should give China's policymakers some food for thought,' he said.
