"We are quite interested in looking at China's

efforts and experiences in combating corruption. It's a problem we are faced with in South Africa, and one that we are tackling with a lot of vigor."

Bheki Langa, South African ambassador to China, saying that his government would continue to utilize China's experiences in tackling corruption while formulating new laws to end graft. The recent ministerial dialogue on the subject was an example of the growing and healthy interactions between the leaders from both nations.

"I have a simple dream. I dream about enjoying the shade under a giant rice plant. You see, in my dream, the rice plant is as tall as sorghum and a single grain is as big as a peanut."

Yuan Longping, an agricultural scientist, expressing confidence that China can reach its target unit yield of 1,000 kg per mu (0.0667 hectares) of paddy rice in 2015, five years ahead of schedule. The 83-year old Yuan, who developed the first hybrid rice varieties in China during the 1970s, said in a recent interview with Xinhuanet.com that the target would help China achieve its food security goals.

"After the 2008 Olympics, the air quality in Beijing has deteriorated. We should think about the long-term damage to the environment and consider steps to prevent them, rather than debate about them after they become serious problems."

Yao Ming, former NBA star and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, commenting on the air quality in Beijing. In recent months, China's air, water and soil pollution problems have attracted increasing public attention.

(China Daily 03/08/2013 page2)