Sound Bites

"China has held a negative attitude towards its own culture, while totally and uncritically accepting Western culture for quite a long time."

Jin Shangyi, CPPCC member and chairman of the Chinese Artists Association, said traditional Chinese culture has forfeited enough.

"Until I watched TV news programs announcing newly-selected CPPCC members, I did not know that I was among them. Nobody asked me whether I would like to participate in the conference."

Ding Yuewei, CPPCC member and an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, believes that the current selection system has loopholes.

"Good boys were always brought up with encouragement and grew up healthy."

Feng Jun, CPPCC member, said Chinese companies need the support of public opinion, as they shift their manufacturing labels from "Made in China" to "Created in China".

"Please don't let old people in rural areas be too lonely."

Yang Xingping, a NPC deputy from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, said that compared to their urban counterparts, elderly people in the countryside have fewer leisure centers and activities, which contributes to them experiencing greater feelings of emptiness, desolation and helplessness in their lives.

"I feel the gap between dream and reality."

Luo Zhongli, CPPCC member and a well-known artist, said he was shocked when he witnessed a public figure spit casually in a public place. In response, the artist suggested that all TV stations in China should broadcast etiquette education programs.

China Daily