Chronicle of Key Remarks and Events

"To strengthen China's maritime capabilities….is of great and fundamental significance in facilitating sound and stable economy growth, safeguarding China's sovereignty, national security, and development interests, in completing the building of a moderately prosperous society, and eventually rejuvenating the Chinese nation."

-- Xi Jinping, at the Political Bureau's 8th group study on building a maritime power, July 30

"Quality must be put first. We prohibit show projects, those for political records, or 'tofu residue' projects that breed corruption."

-- Li Keqiang, presiding over the Political Bureau meeting, July 30

"Carrying out criticism and self-criticism is not equal to 'leftism.'"

-- Seeking Truth magazine, Aug. 16

"China-Africa friendship…We have been rewarded with sincerity and trust, both more precious than gold."

-- Xi Jinping, meeting delegates of Ministerial Forum of the China-Africa Health Development, in Beijing on Aug. 16

"In the face of disasters, knowledge is strength."

-- Li Keqiang, visiting the areas hit hard by the Gansu earthquake, Aug. 17

"Developing railways in western China has great significance, not only because people here long for them, but so industries can move from the east to the middle and west of the country."

-- Li Keqiang, at the construstion site of the Lanzhou-Chongqing (Lanyu) Railway's Muzhailin tunnel, Aug. 18.

Liu Tienan, former deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and former director of the National Energy Administration, was removed from his party and executive posts for suspected severe violation of discipline and laws.

-- Aug. 19

"China's irrational economic strucuture is highlighted in the imbalaned development between urban and rural areas, and in different regions. The middle and west of the countryhave the largest room for development."

-- Li Keqiang, presiding over a seminar on promoting western development and poverty alleviation, Aug. 19, Lanzhou

"Ideological work is extremely important in the Party. The Party's spirit is always consistent with that of the people."

-- Xi Jinping, National Ideological Work Meeting, Aug. 19-20

"The government has decided to introduce measures controlling new and existing adminstration licenses. We have decided to extend pilots securitizing credit assets."

-- Li Keqiang, presiding the State Council's executive meeting, Aug. 21, Beijing

The State Council approved the establishment of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.

-- Aug. 22

Bo Xilai stood on trial for accusations of bribery, embezzelement, and power abuse at Ji'nan Intermediate People's Court.

-- Aug. 22-26