The Obama Administration has advertised that by using “smart power” it would enhance U.S. influence around the world. So it’s worth noting an episode in which China is routing the U.S. in economic diplomacy.

Beijing has long sought to boost its "soft power" abroad, spending billions of yuan on expanding the international presence of its state-run media -- including broadcaster CCTV and official news agency Xinhua -- and through its ubiquitous government-sponsored language centres, known as Confucius Institutes.

Welcome to the world of Qianlong (pronounced Chee-ann-long), China’s longest serving emperor. Qianlong (1711-99), who reigned from 1736 to 1795, is one of the most important figures in Chinese history. And this month he’s coming to Australia.

Japan has lost ground to Korea and China in U.S. public perceptions. Here’s what it can do about it.

The State’s flagship arts company has struck a landmark trade deal with China, thanks to the universal language of music. Next year, the WA Symphony Orchestra will tour to China as part of a cultural exchange program with the Beijing-based China Philharmonic Orchestra announced in Perth last night.

Dubai will stage a seven-day interactive exhibition in Beijing, which will showcase the opportunities Dubai presents China and celebrate the thriving relationship, it was announced today.