Is there a danger that China might forget the past?

Two of the most important focuses for the Chinese government in recent years, aside from economic development, have been education and the promotion of culture and history. The Chinese government has been keen to arouse people's sentiments by celebrating major events from China's rich history.

However, despite the fact history has been such a unifying force within the Middle Kingdom, and even a divisive one when it comes to the interpretation of recent Sino-Japanese events, apparently, the two spheres of education and historical academia do not mesh well in China. Full Story >>

Statue fondling 2010-10-29 10:47:34

Blindfolded, I run my hand up the smooth, graceful arm and trace my fingers over the parted lips. No, this is not a passage from the latest erotic novel. I am at an art exhibition in the middle of the new World Financial Center in Beijing. My guide is describing the statue to me as she directs my hands in their exploration. Since the explanation is entirely in Chinese I am not sure that I am grasping all the nuances, but it is certainly an amazing way to experience the sculptures.

Stronger Chinese ties with Africa reduce reliance on EU 2010-10-08 15:41:18

The new China Africa Research Centre has been created in order to foster economic ties between the two continents. The creation of this think tank is a clear sign that China hopes to reshape the political economy of the world while also highlighting to a lesser extent China's pursuit of Joseph Nye's much debated "soft Power."

Chinese first aid rule no. 1: Don't touch anything! 2010-08-17 10:48:06

We were late for our gig at the hot springs resort. Our breadbox car swerved angrily around the mountain corners, the horn blaring a warning to any invisible drivers who might have been blinded by our high beams. Finally, we were within a kilometer of our mountain resort destination and rounding one of the last turns when a shirtless truck driver leaped in front of our vehicle, hailing us to stop. It was lucky that we did and none too soon. Our front tires were less than a meter away from the two bodies already in the road.

China's era marked by peace without hegemony 2010-08-12 08:21:23

Last year a British scholar, Martin Jacques, published his latest book titled "When China Rules the World." In the prevailing global publishing and media environment, the title of Jacques latest book clearly owes much to an editorial emphasis on ensuring headlines and titles are punchy and can immediately attract the public's attention. However, it was the subtitle of the book which really enticed me to buy and read this book: "The Rise of the Middle Kingdom and the End of the Western World."

Beijing traffic tribulations 2010-08-11 08:24:01

Every morning I power walk to my bus stop with a little pep in my step only to have my heart sink when I see that traffic is at a standstill and is backed up for miles. Usually, at this point I want to throw in the towel, admit defeat, go home, crawl into bed and suck my thumb while in the fetal position.

American Dream now a Chinese reality 2010-08-10 09:11:39

Political commentators, especially within Asia, have been keen to stress the evolving relationship which has become apparent between East and West as the developed world has slumped into recession. Talks between the United States and China were heralded as an attempt by President Barack Obama to pave the way for a more constructive relationship between two powers with big ideological differences.

More flexible visa policies will make China stronger 2010-08-06 13:12:42

As China strives to internationalize and attract more world-class talent to live and study here, its visa policies will play a crucial role. According to a Global Times article published on July 8, new visa policies are currently in the works and could go into effect as early as 2011.

Girl-eat-dog kind of world 2010-08-04 08:27:15

My one vow before coming to China was that I was going to find a way to consume dog before I left. Naturally, when the opportunity presented itself I leaped at it with open arms (or rather with an open mouth). My hosts for this glorious excursion were a local pastor and his wife as well as a pastor visiting from Taiwan.

In world's most populous country, simple drug store trip be… 2010-08-02 10:34:26

I realize Beijing has a lot of people and I will eventually get used to it. I also realize they all need jobs, so there are a lot of service job positions. However, I don't think I will ever get used to having so many people crammed into one store trying to give good 'fu wu,' or service, such as at Watson's, a popular drug store chain.

Bargain price to stare at Lao Wai 2010-07-30 12:43:35

Rush hour was in full swing. It was one of those days when you wanted to make sure you had a stable foothold at the front of the line waiting for the subway for fear of having an unfortunate close-up inspection of the rail tracks (Did I say line? I meant disorderly mass of people determined to crash in to get a seat).