Between complacency and confrontation there is a responsible way forward that keeps the Asia-Pacific a big enough place to accommodate the vital interests of both Beijing and Washington. The heavy lifting will have to be done by the United States. That’s okay. The work will make America a stronger nation and a better Asian ally.

One of the more controversial developments in the aid sector in recent times has been China's move to set up a multilateral development bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

It was a spectacle: Traditional and modern Khmer and Chinese music enraptured as hundreds of dancers took to the stage in elaborate costumes—and with literally flying colors as a pair of acrobats spun above the stage.

This lavishly funded PR program more than triples the strategic communications budget over last year’s ¥20 billion, essentially an admission that Japan has been losing the international war of words — and thus global support for its positions — during Abe’s tenure. Given that Seoul and Beijing have been playing hardball in getting their sides of the story out, Tokyo is responding in kind.

China plans to spend 360 million yuan (HK$454 million) on expanding its overseas cultural centres this year - nearly double last year's amount - amid government efforts to bolster its soft power abroad. But observers are sceptical whether the centres, which are different from the Confucius Institutes, can improve the nation's image overseas, especially given similar efforts have attracted criticism.

As the Spring Festival holiday approaches, CCTV 4, China's international channel, plans to provide a special TV feast aimed at both domestic and overseas Chinese-speaking audiences.

2015 is the first ever Year of Cultural Exchange between China and the UK, marking a high-point in relations. Throughout the year, the very best of UK culture will be showcased in China, and Chinese culture in the UK.