"In the future, robots will no longer just be a tool to boost productivity but an advanced, smart assistant to humans, ushering in a new era of intelligent transformation."

LIU YANDONG, vice-premier, speaking on Aug 23 at the opening ceremony of the 2017 World Robot Conference in Beijing.

"What the US has done does not help the solution of the issue, and does not help mutual trust between China and the US and their cooperation on relevant issues. We request the US to immediately stop the wrong behavior."

HUA CHUNYING, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, speaking after the US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on 16 entities and individuals, mostly in China and Russia, for alleged ties with the nuclear and ballistic missile programs in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"The general quality of young recruits has actually improved over the years, with many college students holding degrees in engineering and international relations. A strong body is still very important for a soldier, but education is now more valuable than ever in building a strong, modern military."

ZHU CHENGHU, major general and a professor at PLA National Defense University.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 08/25/2017 page2)