While the story of the goofy panda who sets out to be a kung fu master enthralled audiences three years ago, the second edition of this animated feature has run into controversy with the Chinese public. Many feel that the film twists the premise and base of Chinese culture to its convenience.

The training series features culinary demonstrations, lectures and field trips designed to expose the visiting chefs to the traditions of Louisianan, Southern Soul, Latin American, Native American and Appalachian cuisines, as well as Cajun culture.

Interest in China is a recurrent theme in Latin America...Close ties specifically with the Asian giant are encouraged not only by Colombia’s status as a rising world power, but also by China’s use of “soft power.”

I bring a personal history as a problem-solver and an effective manager...I will approach the U.S. Mission in China in much the same way, looking for ways to engage in public diplomacy that work best to get our message across to the Chinese government and out to the Chinese people.

The BBG said it would shut down VOA's Chinese radio and television broadcasts while making its Mandarin-language service available only on the Internet. Forty-five journalists, or more than half of the branch's full-time staff, will be let go.

India may have certain soft-power advantages, including its Bollywood film industry as well as widespread English fluency and a history of living under British colonial rule that it shares with many African countries. There is also a significant Indian diaspora in Africa.

UN CULTURAL body Unesco has named Chinese opera star Zhang Jun as an 'artist for peace' envoy. The honour recognises Zhang's 'long-term commitment to promoting intangible cultural heritage, especially the Kunqu Opera,' a form of opera and dance dating to the 14th century and classified by Unesco, it said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak went to Japan's disaster-struck region to express their sympathy to residents and to kick off a new period of cooperation in a region beset with both long-playing historical grievances and recent geopolitical squabbling.