The dominant perception is that the TPP is the commitment of the United States to Asian-Pacific relations, as well as an assertion of America’s trade and security rules and norms in a region increasingly influenced by China. This perception works well to positively influence the U.S’ Asian partners. But for its North American partners, Mexico in particular, the U.S’ rhetoric is different.

Liyuan's public persona has not disappointed in providing a spark of personality to China's image abroad. The high-profile spouse, widely regarded as the most visible since since Jiang Qing, the late wife of revolutionary leader Mao Zedong, has played a significant role in diplomacy.

In the wake of the tragic explosions that recently shook the Chinese coastal city of Tianjin, Beijing’s flagship publication the People’s Daily published an online commentary last week titled “China Needs to Learn from the West to Work with Media in Crisis” – the loose translation of a commentary originally published in Chinese. 

Governments, human rights activists, national human rights institutions and UN officials from across the Pacific attended the launch, shared their perspectives of the situation of LGBTI, (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex), people and called for action to combat homophobia and transphobia.

Describing India and the US as "indispensable partners" in the Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean Region, the envoys of the two countries have said the bilateral collaboration can have a big impact on global peace and prosperity in the 21st century.

Six visiting Maori clay artists, as part of a 10-day cultural exchange organized through Clatsop Community College, have spent this week on the North Coast touring, meeting with local dignitaries, bonding with Chinookans and even trying to pique the interest of local high school students about their backgrounds and art.