Quotable

There are doubts about whether financial reforms will stop after the unusual turbulence in the stock market, and the answer is no ... Financial reforms and opening-up must be carried out continuously and steadfastly to improve China's overall global competitiveness."

Premier Li Keqiang, addressing leaders of state-backed banks and city banks, who complained about rising bad debt and the lack of ways to handle bad loans.

"In order to address common risks and challenges, China is willing to hold a joint drill with ASEAN countries regarding the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea and a joint drill regarding maritime search and rescue and disaster relief."

Chang Wanquan, state councilor and minister of national defense, speaking as he led an informal meeting of Chinese and ASEAN defense ministers.

"Financial incentives should be given to boost reproduction and make childbearing easier Two children are good, and three are even better."

Mu Guangzong, a demographics expert at Peking University, saying immediate measures are needed to fuel population growth.

(China Daily European Weekly 10/23/2015 page3)