Chinanews, Beijing March 9 - “Don't arbitrarily require Chinese athletes to help get China top the gold-medal tally list in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, because we have more important things to do,” said Xu Kuangdi, vice chairman of the CCPCC National Committee.

 

“Our economy only ranks around 100th in the world, and I believe economic development is much more important than winning gold medals in the Games. I think 3rd place is a more rational goal,”added Xu.

 

Xu also believes that China's permission for foreign media people to gather news during the 2008 Olympic Games reflects China's confidence as a responsible country, and its respect for the Olympic rules as well as the international affairs norms.