1.   British diplomats, who had been in contact with the Chinese foreign ministry for weeks trying to get them to resume talks, had expected a stormy ride yesterday.

2.   A Chinese foreign ministry official said earlier this week that distribution is unlikely to be opened up.

3.   But even the most optimistic American officials concede that threatened Chinese ministries and provinces are likely to find ways to delay implementation of many provisions.

4.   But the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman disdained the official U.S. explanation.

5.   But the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman disdained the official U.S. explanation Monday.

6.   Investors pore over the macroeconomic figures and the puff stories issued by Chinese ministries and foreign-investment advisors.

7.   Instead, the center invited two Chinese foreign ministry officials, but the Chinese turned down the invitations.

8.   Officials from Hope and the Chinese ministry of health asked him to lead a group of cardiac surgeons and support staff to teach Chinese doctors and health workers.

9.   Prueher met twice with Chinese foreign ministry officials on Monday.

10.   The U.S. Embassy and a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman declined comment on the reports.