Quotable

"If you do not have a place to live, I do not see any value in graduating with a PhD."

Zhang Xinyang, who was called a genius when he was 10 years old and is now studying for a doctorate in mathematics at 16 at Beihang University, said in a recent interview with the China Central Television about his wish for his parents to buy him an apartment in the city.

"I'm honored to have part of my soccer career in China. I have a lot to say, but I'm feeling too sad to say much. After I return to Argentina, I will tell them Chinese people are friendly. Hopefully, I can be back in the future, though it may be a long time."

Dario Conca, Argentine soccer player, from Guangzhou Evergrande, who is set to return to his Brazilian club, Fluminense, speaking after winning the Most Valuable Player award for the Chinese Super League 2012-13 season. Conca led Evergrande to the league title and the Asian Champions League title.

"In my view, the high prices are not caused by speculation, and imposing a real estate tax is unlikely to restrain prices."

Wu Jinglian, economist, said at a forum in Shanghai on Nov 25 that property tax legislation, mentioned in the recently unveiled reform master plan, would not have much impact on the property industry.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 11/29/2013 page2)