"Young people from both sides will always be brave in pursuing innovation and the truth. Learning from each other in a frank and open spirit, you can create a better future for China-EU ties."

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, at the opening ceremony of the China-EU Year of Youth in Beijing on February 23

"In the next five years, China will further expand the coverage of its basic medical insurance system and ease the cost of medical services."

Chinese Health Minister Chen Zhu, addressing a meeting for the reform of the public health care system in Beijing

"To look at China through lens of an adversary would be counterproductive."

Scott Van Buskirk, Commander of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, in a forum held in Hong Kong on February 21 saying China is not a "direct threat"

"Whoever wants to gain power must hold it by winning elections, whether parliamentary or presidential."

Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh, at a press conference in the capital of Sanaa on February 21 announcing he would not step down until defeated at the ballot box

"If Doha is not completed, we cannot move to a 21st century trade agenda."

Karel De Gucht, EU Trade Commissioner, in a conference in Brussels on February 21, warning if the current window of opportunity is not seized, the WTO rule book and negotiating agenda would simply not be able to keep pace with the global economy

"We fear the message sent today may be one that only encourages Israeli intransigence and impunity."

Riyad Mansor, the permanent Palestinian observer to the United Nations, after the U.S. vetoed a draft UN resolution on February 18 condemning Israel's continued settlement activities