London, October 20 (People’s Daily, Reporter: Huang Peizhao)- On behalf of the Chinese Ministry of Culture, Chinese Ambassador Liu Xiaoming donated books and offered an online VIP membership card of the National Library of China to the Needham Research Institute at the University of Cambridge a few days ago to support the Institute’s research on China.

      Among the some 200 books donated, many were precious books about history and archaeology, including Monthly Magazines on Water Conservancy in North China, Collection of Basic Documents on China’s Marine Navigation History and China’s Traditional Folk Dyeing Skills.

      Ambassador Liu reflected on the exceptional life story of Dr. Joseph Needham, especially his brilliant achievements in the research on the history of science and technology in ancient China. He spoke highly of the huge contributions made by Dr. Needham in facilitating the relations between China and the UK. Science and Civilisation in China, Dr. Needham’s masterpiece, changed the world’s perception on China and exerted a far-reaching influence on the cultural exchanges between China and the West.