"We are of the same family, so meetings and frequent exchanges between cross-Straits leaders to talk about peaceful development and national rejuvenation benefits compatriots from both sides."

MA XIAOGUANG of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office at a news conference, responding to a question on Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou's recent remarks on hopes for such a meeting during the upcoming meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Beijing.

"China has taken note of the presidential election held in Ukraine on May 25 and respects the choice made by the Ukrainian people."

WANG MIN, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, addressing an open meeting of the Security Council on the situation in the Eastern European country.

"Why are rural residents able to buy homes and settle down in cities while urban residents are not allowed to buy homes in the countryside and live there?"

CHEN SHUHUA, a Beijing retiree. Air pollution and heavy traffic have prompted many retirees in first-tier cities to consider resettling in the countryside but have reportedly found it difficult to buy a rural home.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 06/06/2014 page3)