Historically, China is not a nation of sportsmen. We traditionally put more emphasis on being close to nature than pushing endlessly to excel. A philosophy that values tranquil contemplation of the landscape cannot easily be adapted to the Olympic slogan of 'higher, stronger, faster.'

Historically, China is not a nation of sportsmen. We traditionally put more emphasis on being close to nature than pushing endlessly to excel. A philosophy that values tranquil contemplation of the landscape cannot easily be adapted to the Olympic slogan of 'higher, stronger, faster.'

I always thought that in modern history Chinese people are like a dish of sand, never really close together. But I think a dish of sand is a good metaphor because we have the Internet. We don't have to be physically united. You can be an individual and have your own set of values but join others in certain struggles. There is nothing more powerful than that.

It's really rubbish that some kind of "technical" learning means you will be a better person because you know this skill better.

China is at a different stage of development, human rights are violated here much more often. And still, we see improvements even here.

Everyone thinks the Chinese government selected me. Never ever. I was selected by Herzog and de Meuron.

Because Great Britain has self-confidence, it doesn't need a monumental Olympics.