Wen Jiabao

“Only science and the spirit of seeking truth from facts can save China. I firmly believe in this.”

“I don't think a system or a government should fear critical opinions or views. Only by heeding those critical views would it be possible for us to further improve our work and make further progress.”

“As long I still have a breath left in me I will dedicate myself fully to China's reform.”

“The Chinese government attaches importance to, and protects, human rights. We have incorporated these lines into the Chinese constitution, and we also implement the stipulation in real earnest. I think for any government, what is most important is to ensure that its people enjoy each and every right given to them by the constitution.”

“If people are able to run the affairs of a village well, eventually they'll be able to run a township, and a county.”

“There are people who will appreciate what I've done, and there will be people who will criticize me. Ultimately history will have the final say.”

“China is a main energy consumer and, therefore, is also a big greenhouse gas emitter. We must use energy resources rationally and must conserve. This needs us to adjust our economic structure, transform the mode of development, to make economic development more dependent on progress of science and technology and the quality of the work force.”

“More scientific language and less diplomatic rhetoric may make this world even better.”

“It is only when there is the supervision and critical oversight from the people that the government will be in a position to do an even better job, and employees of government departments will be the true public servants of the people.”

“There are two books that I often travel with; one is 'The Theory on Moral Sentiments' by Adam Smith. The other is 'The Meditations.' It's not that I agree with either views expressed in the books, but I believe ideas and thoughts of older generations can offer food for thought for the current generation.”

“Socialism, as I understand it, is a system of democracy. Without democracy, there is no socialism.”

“As far as the U.S. economy is concerned, I always believe that the U.S. economy is solidly based, not only in a material sense, but more importantly, the United States has the strength of scientific and technological talent, and managerial expertise.”

“I have a dream to provide every Chinese, especially children, sufficient milk each day.”

“If in a country, most of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few, then this country can hardly witness harmony and stability.”

“All political parties, organizations, and all people should abide by the constitution and laws without any exception. They must all act in accordance with the constitution and laws. I see that as a defining feature of modern political system development.”

“I believe I and all the Chinese people have such a conviction that China will make continuous progress and the people's wishes for and needs for democracy and freedom are irresistible.”