Quotable

"The (Japanese) white paper has played the same old tune by making presumptuous comments on China's normal defense and military development. It attempted to play up the so-called China threat to confuse the international community."

YANG YUJUN, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, in a written statement on Aug 10, referring to Japan's 2014 defense white paper.

"It's indisputable that the property market of some cities is entering an adjustment period, but it is going too far to say the market is verging on collapse."

ZHU ZHONGYI, vice-president of the China Real Estate Industry Association, commenting that China's property market, which has experienced disparate fortunes in recent months, is unlikely to make a hard landing. Zhu made the remarks at the annual meeting of the Boao Real Estate Forum in Hainan province.

"I like the peaceful life here, which makes me happy. I first chose Shaolin because of its kung fu, but I am also inspired here to pursue further education."

SHI YANZHENG, a monk at Shaolin Temple in Henan province talking about receiving an offer from the University of Hong Kong to begin studying toward a doctoral degree in Buddhism on Sept 1. The 29-year-old has already studied for eight years and speaks fluent English.

(China Daily European Weekly 08/15/2014 page3)