"I am sorry that my actions have hurt people and have hurt the United States."

US Army Private Bradley Manning to a military judge at a sentencing hearing. Manning leaked secret intelligence files to whistleblower website WikiLeaks.

"A box containing someone's lover would be more attractive if it was decorated with colorful wrapping paper and lovely bows."

Xu Ruodi, 22, from Hubei province speaking about an offer from online shopping website Taobao.com and courier company Zhongtong Express to "deliver" customers to their lover's doorstep.

"There are so many other things to do in life rather than playing tennis, so I am sure I will find something."

French tennis player and Wimbledon title-holder Marion Bartoli, after announcing her retirement from professional sport.

"No matter in what form or name a Japanese leader pays tribute at the Yasukuni Shrine, its essence is to try to deny and glorify Japan's militarist past of aggression and challenge the post-World War II international order."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei commenting on Japanese cabinet members' visit on Thursday to a shrine that honors Japan's war dead, including 14 Class A war criminals.

(China Daily 08/18/2013 page1)