After retiring as the foreign minister and maintaining a low profile for about two years, 69-year-old Li Zhaoxing yesterday returned to spotlight with his trademark humor and Shandong dialect.

As the spokesman for the second session of the 11th NPC, Li took 12 questions from domestic and foreign reporters, ranging from the country's military budget, economic downturn, and political reform, to the recent Christie's auction of two stolen Chinese relics at a press conference.

The conference, held at the Great Hall of the People, was constantly interrupted by laughter, triggered by Li's unique sense of humor and impulsive responses.

While answering a rather sensitive question from a Russian reporter on China's military budget, Li said: "Thank you for raising the question and giving me the chance to clarify certain misleading information some of your colleagues have spread. I suggest you take notes carefully. Just a good memory isn't sufficient for so many figures."

When asked of the difference in serving the Foreign Ministry and the NPC, Li replied: "You've touched a sensitive spot I have a lot to say."

Li then turned nostalgic while answering a question about Taiwan."Taiwan often came to my mind when I was at school, reading the story Goddess Patches up the Sky," he said.