"What particularly interests me is how China has grown so fast with such limited resources and environmental capacity. If China could manage the transition from a middle-income country to a high-income and welfare-driven country, it will be an inspiration for many African and Latin American countries."

Matthias Koerner, regional manager, Mittelhessen, of the Confederation of German Trade Unions, commenting on China's rapid growth during the fourth China-Europe High-level Political Parties Forum held in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, on April 22.

"Every time there is a disaster in China, there is a rush to pen disaster relief songs. I do not understand this trend. At such critical moments, isn't rescue work more important and useful than singing songs?"

Han Hong, a singer, rejecting an invitation to sing disaster relief songs written after the earthquake that struck Ya'an of Sichuan province on April 20.

"I may be termed unsuccessful from the popular point of view, but I still feel good about leading a simple life. To me, the greatest success in life is being unsuccessful."

Lu Buxuan, a former graduate of Peking University, saying in a recent interview that contrary to general perception, he is happy about making his living as a butcher. Lu, a Peking University graduate, says that for most Chinese people a prestigious university education often opens the door to a successful career.

(China Daily 04/26/2013 page2)