"Our Asian neighbors are paying a great deal of attention to how the Japanese Government and leaders will handle next year and what kind of messages will be delivered."

Tang Jiaxuan, former State Councilor and now President of the China-Japan Friendship Association, speaking on December 3 at a meeting of the 21st Century Committee, an advisory panel on Sino-Japanese relations

"The merger is not just about making a change, but represents a large step forward in preventing unhealthy competition in overseas markets."

Liu Youmei, a railway transportation specialist with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, commenting on the merger plan of China's two biggest train makers, China CNR Corp. and CSR Corp., on December 3

"It is a milestone for the development of China's tourism industry."

Zhang Jilin, an official from the National Tourism Administration, referring to the fact that China's outbound tourist departures from the mainland have recently exceeded 100 million in a calendar year for the first time

"This is perhaps the best time ever in China's cinematic history."

Zhao Baohua, Deputy Director of the Chinese Film Literature Association, film critic and screenwriter, talking about China's box office takings hitting a new record high in 2014