Quotable

"China supports an independent, fair and objective international investigation into the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. The International Civil Aviation Organization should be allowed to play its full role in the investigation."

Foreign Ministry spokesman HONG LEI, as China called on all parties involved to cooperate with the international investigation into the crash of the Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 in Ukraine.

"We are seriously concerned about the conflict in Gaza and saddened by it. It has caused heavy civilian casualties. We support the mediation efforts by the United Nations, regional countries and the Arab League."

President XI JINPING on July 20. China would continue its efforts to ease tensions between Palestine and Israel, he said.

"This is my first time competing in the individual 3 m springboard in a big event. I'm a platform diver but I have fun diving on the springboard. I find the rhythm of the board just like playing the piano."

Rising Chinese diving star CAO YUAN, double winner of the men's 10m platform synchronized and 3m springboard synchronized at the World Cup in Shanghai, after he finished second in the 3m springboard. Cao can play the piano.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 07/25/2014 page3)