"The world's countries should rise up to the complicated global challenges and tackle, through consultation, major global issues bearing on world peace and development rather than let a few countries have the final say because the fundamental interests of all countries are at stake."

Yang Jiechi, Chinese Foreign Minister, at a press conference during his visit to Mexico on July 30

"Do not be talked into the belief that the yuan is very close to a reserve currency. It, in fact, lags far behind that level."

Yi Gang, head of China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange, on whether the Chinese currency yuan could become a reserve currency in a recent interview with China Reform magazine

"In a modern society ruled by law, the recurrence of such abuses of human dignity and rights should be ended resolutely. Offenders against the law also have their lawful rights, and they should be respected."

Cao Yisun, professor at Beijing-based China University of Political Science and Law, after China's Ministry of Public Security banned the police from parading prostitution suspects in public or using other humiliating practices

"Our infrastructure over the last 50 years has been washed away."

Adnan Khan, an official in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, on the once-in-80-years flood that killed more than 3,000 people

"This is a historic day for the world, a big step in the right direction."

Maude Barlow, Canada's leading water activist, after the UN General Assembly on July 28 recognized access to clean water and sanitation as a human right. Water advocates hail the move as a momentous step toward a future treaty

"We must face the truth, even if it is uncomfortable, and move forward."

Jacob Zuma, South African President, explaining why he's abolishing half the country's traditional monarchies, dismissing them as artificial creations of apartheid