"I like oil paintings and traditional Chinese paintings, but if one tries to appreciate Chinese painting with the criteria of oil painting, there may be a problem."

On some countries' unfair judgment of China

"We stick to our principles, which are totally different from being tough It is unfair to label actions safeguarding one's own core interests and dignity as tough and take for granted infringing the interests of a foreign country."

On accusations of China's "tough stance" in diplomacy

"We support other countries in the world cooperating with Africa in the energy sector on the bases of equality and mutual benefit, but I do not see any reason for them to oppose China's equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with Africa."

On China's cooperation with Africa

"The responsibility for the difficulties in relations with the United States does not lie with China. China's position should be taken seriously and respect should be shown for China's core interests and concerns."

On China-US relations

"In regard to our dispute on the East China Sea issue, China has long insisted on properly solving it through negotiation, in order to protect the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between China and Japan, as well as the interests of their people."

On relations with Japan

Xinhua