"Considering China's current economic and social development reality, appropriately removing the death penalty from some economy-related non-violent crimes, will not negatively affect social stability nor public security."

Li Shishi, Chairman of the Commission for Legislative Affairs of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, at a bimonthly session of the Committee on August 23. The session was deliberating a draft amendment of China Criminal Law

"The gains that American companies have achieved here depend on our continued commitment to fairness and reciprocity in the treatment of Chinese business."

John Watkins, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, on a proposed joint venture in the United States between Chinese steel-maker Ansteel and Mississippi-based Steel Development Co. U.S. congressmen have accused the project of threatening "American jobs" and "national security"

"We have memorized the play so many times, it is repeated in different forms, and sometimes with different faces, but it's the same."

Samir Hulileh, CEO of Palestine Development and Investment Ltd., speaking pessimistically of the prospects of a new round of U.S.-mediated Palestinian-Israeli peace talks due to begin in September

"They are all in perfect health, and none are traumatized. Their complaints are much less than we could have expected."

Paula Newman, a doctor in charge of monitoring health of 33 miners who have been trapped 700 meters underground in a Chilean copper mine since August 5. It has been estimated the ongoing rescue mission will take another four months

"I don't think this is a good time to be going public. It's more political than practical."

Dennis Virag, President of U.S. consulting firm Automotive Consulting Group, on General Motors Co.'s plan for a stock offering as part of its efforts to repay a taxpayer-funded $50-billion bailout