The senior politician, an avid reader, encouraged citizens to read more ... on World Reading Day, which fell on Thursday. He made the remarks when visiting a branch of the Commercial Press and the National Library in the capital on Thursday. There's no hope for individuals and the nation if citizens do not read, he said. He said he would love to see every passenger holding a book on hand when riding subways. "I always believe that knowledge gives people not only strength, but also security and happiness," he said. He also urged efforts to publish more classical works.

At last a politician who wants a smarter population ... a smarter Chinese population that is: it was Premier Wen Jiabao of China.