At the speech made in this year’s prayer meeting on June 4 held at Victoria Park, Hong Kong, Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun praised Premier Wen Jiabao for his performance that puts the interests of people first.

Nineteen years ago, Wen Jiabao accompanied the then Premier Zhao Ziyang in meeting and comforting student protestors at the Tiananmen Square. Premier Zhao said to them, “Sorry everybody, I am late”.

With the heavy snowstorm that hit the southern part of China and the severe earthquake that devastated Sichuan this year, Premier Wen arrived at the scenes of tragedy at the earliest possible moment. I strongly believe that the former Premier Zhao’s “I am late” could not have no influence at all on Premier Wen.

Being pragmatic is the example set up for us by Premier Wen. With his presence on the frontline, tremendous support was lent to the rescue and relief operations, although some people criticized him of “stealing the show”.

The courage of Cardinal Zen in daring to speak up depicts his deep respect to what is true with no hesitation, although he was also criticized by some for “stirring up instability everywhere”.

It is a blessing to the Chinese to have them both on China’s soil.