For your information, it's not a man's world
By Sun Shangwu (China Daily)
Updated: 2006-03-08 05:55

Lieutenant Colonel Li Jun heads the team responsible for building and maintaining information systems for the armament department of Guangzhou Military Area Command.

Lieutenant Colonel Li Jun, a deputy from the Chinese People's Liberation Army to the 10th National People's Congress the country's top legislature gestures during an interview March 7, 2006. [China Daily]

Even Li's name, which means "handsome lad" in Chinese, is somehow masculine.

But she looks more feminine than her name and occupation suggest.

"I am a dance lover and have been doing it for more than a decade," said Li, a slim woman with a graceful appearance.

She was the head of the dance troupe of the National University of Defence Technology, where she studied for seven years.

"I like to dance in my spare time, but now there is very little of that," said Li. "This is because of my heavy workload, and that is really a pity."

Li is currently in Beijing as a member of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) delegation to the ongoing session of the 10th National People's Congress.

The PLA delegation is comprised of high-ranking officers as well as rank-and-file officers and soldiers noted for their outstanding performance.

Li is one of those high achievers, having taken part in four award-winning scientific research projects.

Li led her team in the completion of more than 250 tasks, including some projects related to military exercises.

"Our work requires a combination of skill and patience," said Li.

The installation and maintenance of electronics equipment ranging from computer terminals to thousands of cables requires perfection, as any negligence will lead to a command failure, said Li.

"Apart from that, both officers and soldiers should be able to endure tough conditions in the field," said Li, pointing to southern China's hot and humid climate as an example.

"But we are always delighted when we see our equipment running smoothly and our commanders benefiting from high-tech information systems," said Li.

Besides dancing, she also enjoys brushing up her English.

"I don't read English novels, but I find biographies to be quite interesting," said Li, citing Hillary Clinton's "Living History" as an example.

"I also browse your newspaper to get information," she remarked in the interview with China Daily.

As an NPC deputy, Li has also devoted much time to investigations, resulting in the submission of 10 motions over the past four years.

These motions focus on how to improve legislation to guarantee the rights of PLA officers and soldiers.

"As a representative of the army, I have a duty to voice their concerns and safeguard their interests," she said.

Since the ongoing NPC session started on Sunday, Li has been busy studying Premier Wen Jiabao's work report and the blueprint for the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10).

But Li, along with all other women deputies, will enjoy some time out today to celebrate International Women's Day at special receptions and meetings. 

(China Daily 03/08/2006 page2)

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