"Japanese politicians represented by Governor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara have attempted to use the Diaoyu Islands issue to win support in future elections and raise nationalism among the Japanese public. This will negatively affect Sino-Japanese relations."

Liu Jiangyong, an expert on Japanese studies from Tsinghua University, commenting on the heels of Japanese Ambassador Uichiro Niwa's return to Beijing on July 16 after being summoned to Japan on July 15 by the country's foreign ministry

"As current economic situations at home and abroad are very complicated, Chinese companies should look for momentum for growth even out of the downward economic pressure."

Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang, during an inspection tour to central China's Hubei Province from July 13 to 14

"Africa has strong growth momentum and broad prospects for development. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Africa to bring more benefits to people on both sides."

Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao, at the opening ceremony of African Export-Import Bank's shareholder meeting in Beijing on July 14

"Proposing to increase its presence in the Asia-Pacific, the United States is looking for new partners in the region and aims at getting political support from Southeast Asian countries in return for economic cooperation and assistance."

Yang Baoyun, an expert on Southeast Asian studies with Peking University, commenting in response to the U.S. softening stance toward Myanmar and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's tour of Laos and Viet Nam

"If they decide to do this [to have a vote on the draft resolution]—knowing it would be unacceptable to us—then we will not let it pass."

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov, in response to a question from the Interfax News Agency about Russia's stance on the draft resolution to impose sanctions against Syria on July 12