British deputy PM tours Beijing's Olympics Stadium

Visiting British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott visited the National Stadium of the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Wednesday.

Prescott described the structure as a "real challenge" for architecture. "I look forward to seeing it when it is completed," he added.

A director of construction from the Chinese side and a director from the Britain-based Arup company, also a constructor of the stadium, gave Prescott a brief account of the whole project.

Prescott, in charge of urban planning in Britain, was told that Beijingers know the stadium as the "bird's nest" in reference to its intended appearance.

"We want to connect with the Beijing Olympics, and we hope a lot of things we learn here will help the 2012 London Olympics," Prescott said.

He also noted that the two countries can have further discussions on many issues concerning the hosting of the Olympic Games, such as how to use the facilities after the games have finished.

Before his tour of the venue, Prescott visited the Ditan Hospital and held a meeting with Chinese Health Minister Gao Qiang. The two sides discussed cooperation on prevention and control of infectious diseases such as bird flu.

Prescott also met with nurse Wang Kerong, the first Chinese nurse to win the UK's Barry & Martin Prize in 2005.

Source: Xinhua