North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il traveled to northeastern China—his second trip in four months to Pyongyang's chief ally—to visit a school attended by his father, in a symbolic move that appeared aimed at solidifying plans for his own succession.

The first public diplomacy research center in China was set up at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) Thursday. The center will serve as an open platform with social resources available to scholars to conduct research and offer advice to state departments, Chen Yulu, president of BFSU, said at a press conference.

The Turkish edition of China Today magazine will go on sale in major cities of Turkey starting from Sept. 1, which is expected to promote mutual understanding between Turkish and Chinese people and facilitate the two countries' business relations.

China International Broadcasting Network (CIBN), run by the state-owned radio station China Radio International, has recently been approved for establishment by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. This international new media broadcasting network will feature 61 languages and international characteristics.

China will showcase its culture to the Turkish in October, China's State Council Information Office said Tuesday. The "Experience China in Turkey" program will include trade forums, ethnic songs and dances, film weeks and food festivals, said a statement from the office.

As the contradictions of Asia’s water challenges have been laid bare this summer—with millions affected by flooding while others are hit by droughts—one thing has been made clearer: the coming water crisis could exacerbate already simmering domestic and regional tensions.

Most Taiwanese, who do not travel to or work in China, can only learn about Chinese by reading newspapers, watching television or listening to the radio. However, when Chinese come to Taiwan, locals can learn about their cousins from across the Strait first-hand, both the good and the bad. It’s a type of low-level diplomacy that cuts through misunderstandings and prejudices better than any ­government-sponsored effort.

In his short life the doctor achieved more genuine goodwill for India in China than modern diplomacy can conjure up. Last Tuesday in Beijing, an exhibition of rare black and white photographs to commemorate his hundredth birth anniversary opened at the Peace Palace near the Wangfujing shopping avenue.