By now it's no secret to anyone with a high-speed Internet connection: The gap between the popularity of contemporary Japanese culture overseas and its anemic industries at home has become a chasm. Anime conventions in the United States continue to proliferate..

In some ways, Chinese public diplomacy surrounding its ‘peaceful and harmonious’ rise is similar to this fairy tale [Emperor's New Clothes]... South China Sea being the most explicit example. Vietnam and the Philippines have both accused China within the past few weeks of aggressive behaviour that violates their interests...

The Thai government has been educating diners about its country's cuisine for years. In fact, an initiative called Global Thai was launched in 2002 to encourage an appreciation for Thai cuisine around the world.

China's strength lies in its deep pockets, which are said to have helped it swing deals in its favor. India's advantage lies in public goodwill and Delhi hopes that this and its soft power strategy will help it build sustainable partnerships in Africa.

In the last two decades, Canadian investors have been taking advantage of the dramatic changes in Latin America. This existing relationship emerged at a conference which drew leading actors in the Canada-Latin America relationship from academia, business, government, civil society and NGOs.

More Hollywood films are opening outside the United States, a reflection of the growing importance of the international market to the world’s major studios. A new film trade event, ScreenSingapore, is designed to capitalize on the trend by offering the studios a springboard to Asian filmgoers.

Sun Tzu’s dictum ‘Know your enemy’ has great significance for dealing with the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it is the maintenance of politico-economic relationships or offensive-defensive military operations...

“We have been doing well on the development front,” the official, Zhao Qizheng, former head of the State Council Information Office, was quoted by China Daily as saying. “Now we need to talk better, to make our messages clearer to the world.”