"All I want is for the State to recognize my role as a soldier who fought the Japanese invasion, and a medal for all of the old soldiers like me."

Luo Guozhong, a Kuomintang soldier, speaking after the Ministry of Civil Affairs announced that soldiers like him will be given high priority in the social welfare network.

"People are facing immense pressures in their work and lives. A temporary stay at a temple helps soothe their hearts and relax their moods."

Zhi Du, abbot of the Ci'en Temple in Tiantai Mountain, Zhejiang province, explaining on July 4 why the temple attracts a large number of "temporary monks and nuns" after it offered short-term stays ranging from three months to two years.

(China Daily European Weekly 07/12/2013 page3)