China’s global image faces challenges - but if asked to choose between its national interests and preserving its national image, China would choose the former. A recent poll conducted by the BBC World Service shows that China’s international image is not that great around the world. Although this year China’s international image is equally divided (42 percent vs. 42 percent) between those who think China’s influence is positive and those who think it is negative, China’s image in Japan and South Korea (two of China’s most important Asian neighbors) is quite negative.

China’s belated response to the oil rig crisis demonstrates the limits of its regional soft power.  Focusing on, negotiating over, and perhaps even solving one of its maritime disputes would go a long way toward enhancing China’s regional soft power.

During an official visit designed to show Beijing's interest in improving relations with its neighbour, Mr Wang emphasised that the two countries see eye-to-eye on most issues.  China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has promised his country's support to help India improve its economic development.

India is joining the global pursuit of some of China’s most valuable assets – its big-spending tourists. With a campaign in 12 Chinese cities this spring, the world’s second-most populous nation hopes to capture the imagination of travelers from the most populated country. The promotion, called “Glimpses of India,” kicked off last month in Beijing with music and dance performances at the showpiece Poly Theatre. In March, India changed the rules to make it easier for Chinese visitors to get visas. 

Advocates for action on climate change have long urged the United States to make the first major move in limiting carbon dioxide emissions, with the hope that other big emitters around the world would follow suit. That seems to actually be happening now: only days after the United States announced a new rule that will cut emissions from power plants by 30 percent by 2030, China made some noise about instituting a carbon cap of its own.