"China's efforts are unconditional and not tied to emissions cuts by other countries. China has made remarkable contributions to the global fight against climate change."

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei, on China's higher carbon intensity reduction target compared to developed countries

"It's a reminder that we still have some headwinds. The global economy is still looking fragile in many ways."

Bill Dinning, head of strategy at Aegon Asset Management in Edinburgh, which oversees 40 billion pounds ($65 billion), after oil-rich Abu Dhabi pumped $10 billion into its indebted United Arab Emirates neighbor Dubai on December 14 to help the latter pay off its debts

"Paul Samuelson transformed everything he touched: the theoretical foundations of his field, the way economics was taught around the world, the ethos and stature of his department, the investment practices of MIT, and the lives of his colleagues and students."

Susan Hockfield, President of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mourning Nobel Prize laureate Paul Samuelson who died on December 13 at 94. Samuelson is considered one of the greatest economists of the 20th century

"We won't let ourselves be stripped of our heritage for the benefit of a big company, no matter how friendly, big or American it is."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, announcing a $1-billion plan to digitize French literature, heading off Google Inc.

"The 787 will be the gamechanger that it was meant to be."

Scott Fancher, Vice President and General Manager of the Boeing's 787 program. 787 Dreamliner made its maiden flight on December 15, more than two years behind schedule

"At least this failed test made some nice fireworks for the Norwegians."

Pavel Felgenhauer, a Russian defense analyst, on the failed test launch of Russia's new nuclear-capable missile that caused a spectacular plume of white light over Norway