China wants to teach the world its language and culture, and Ms. Zheng is one of about 325 guest teachers who have volunteered to work for up to three years in American schools, with their salaries subsidized by the Chinese government. A parallel effort has sent about 2,000 American school administrators to visit China at Beijing’s expense.

No matter where in the world you live or what sector you are involved in, you have to take into account China's rise. China continues to invest and buy things abroad in its drive to secure access to natural resources in places like Afghanistan and Australia and to exert power.

State-owned broadcaster CCTV continues to launch foreign-language channels but their reach and influence are limited. The same is true for the news agency Xinhua, which is expanding its overseas footprint but is still a small and not especially well-regarded player in the global news world.

For the first time in its history, the European Union (EU) will celebrate Europe Day outside the continent, in Shanghai... Europe Day, which falls on Sunday, will be celebrated at the Shanghai Expo through a multitude of cultural activities...

"A multimedia roadshow of Mille Miglia will be hosted inside the Italian pavilion on May 25," he said highlighting that the event, promoted by Italian Tourism Ministry, is expected to allow visitors to get a closer look at Italian history and culture.

Themed Ke Nako! ("It's Time!"), South Africa's pavilion at the Shanghai Expo has opened its doors to visitors wanting to learn more about what modern-day South Africa has to offer, from the upcoming 2010 Fifa World Cup to tourism, trade and investment opportunities.

Most of Asia suffered from hubris during the Asian miracle -- but not China. Expo 2010 in Shanghai might be a test of whether China can think outside of the West's intellectual box. It might be a showcase of the charisma of Chinese culture...

Positioned as a gateway to Africa for investment and trade from China, participation at Shanghai Expo becomes relevant when considering that in 2009 the total trade between China and Africa amounted to over 106 billion dollars, an increase of 45 percent over the previous year, of which South Africa accounted for 20%