China welcomes Microsoft Corporation and other well-known global companies to invest in China and seek common growth, Chinese President Jiang Zemin said

on Feb. 28 during his meeting with Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in Beijing.

  Jiang told Bill Gates that China would always observe an open policy regarding developing the information technology industry, and was ready to strengthen cooperation with global advanced technology companies and seek common development.

  Gates briefed Jiang about Microsoft's investment in China and its latest cooperation in sharing source code of computer software.

  Gates is visiting the country as the guest of the State Development Planning Commission of China.