"The PMI figure suggests the economy is further stabilizing. It showed a rebound in both domestic and external demand, and upstream product prices have risen correspondingly."

Zhang Liqun, an analyst with the Development Research Center of the State Council, commenting after the purchasing managers' index rose to 51 in August from 50.3 in July, higher than market expectations.

"Education of the population is very strong and Chinese people are by nature big savers. If you combine these two things together, you have another 10 to 15 years of what is called 'extensive growth'."

Daniel Gros, director of the Centre for European Policy Studies, a Brussels-based think-tank.

(China Daily European Weekly 09/06/2013 page14)