The diplomats react

Jon Huntsman, ambassador of the United States

"The communication between the two countries is getting better. We've always had a very sound relationship. It sometimes goes up, and sometimes goes down, but over the past 30 years, relations have gone consistently upward and will continue to go upward."

Mikael Lindstrom, ambassador of Sweden

"I'm especially glad to hear that there's going to be more innovation in science technology and education, because Sweden has a lot to offer in this regard. I think China and Sweden can have much more cooperation in the future."

Glodoaldo Hugueney, ambassador of Brazil

"What impressed me most is that China was able to overcome a very difficult situation last year and grow at very fast pace. I think Premier Wen Jiabao is also clear on what the objectives are: transform and modernize the economy, improve the life of the people, re-distribute income and improve the rural situation."

Amel Kovacevic, ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina

"The government's struggle to create equal opportunities for all, to create balanced development, and to respond to all international financial turmoil in an effective and efficient manner is so impressive."

Michael Pulch, deputy head of EU delegation

"China has become a driving factor in the economic sector for the region and the globe. The premier stressed domestic consumption this year and we fully support that. I think opening the Chinese market for products abroad will help consumption and Europe can give China a lot in this regard."

Meyes Matta, ambassador of Chile

"The speech was a very honest presentation of China's reality with descriptions of its aims and goals as well as challenges in the future. It is very important that the proposals are made with China's future social development in mind."