"I really wanted to preserve the essence of China on film, and create a uniquely Chinese expression."

Wang Xiaoshuai

"Winning a Silver Bear can boost the film's value, and more or less change people's attitude toward a homemade film."

Li Xun, a researcher with the Film Art Research Center of China, indicating inactive response on the mainland market, where Hollywood blockbusters are prevailing

"While working to develop itself, China will respond to the legitimate concerns of other countries and uphold the common interests of mankind. We will endeavor to enable economic globalization to produce prosperity for all."

Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, at the opening ceremony of China Now, the largest festival of Chinese culture ever held in Britain, on February 18

"When the world's greatest sporting and marketing event crosses paths with one of the best economic growth stories ever, the result could be the opportunity of a lifetime for corporate sponsors of the Beijing Olympics."

A Reuters report entitled "Olympic Games Offer Unique Path to China Markets," published on February 16

"This is not my farewell to you only wish is to fight as a soldier in the battle of ideas. It will be just another weapon you can count on."

Cuban leader Fidel Castro, announcing in a statement published on February 19 that he would no longer assume the country's top job after nearly half a century in power due to ill health

"We accept the election results, and will sit on opposition benches."

Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Chairman of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Q, conceding defeat of his party in the February 18 parliamentary elections

"Governments are more easily distracted by the crisis of today than the crisis of tomorrow. We need to act now."

Sony Chief Executive Howard Stringer, at a meeting hosted by the Japanese electronics giant and the WWF environmental group in Tokyo on February 16, where some of the world's top companies vowed to step up efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and accused governments of failing to show sufficient leadership in the fight against global warming