Despite its rich cultural resources, China has a relatively weak capacity of cultural transmission. Enhancing such capacity is a pragmatic approach to strengthen China's national cultural soft power. China should positively engage in international cultural exchange, and endeavor to build branches of the Confucius Institute all over the world.

South Korea has another item that’s ready for export. This time it’s not another high-tech marvel but a product of the country’s ancient culture, its own unique writing system known as Hangul, and it’s going to become the alphabet for a tribal grouping in a remote corner of Indonesia.

Three groups from the 25th Infantry Division Band will travel to Russia and China Sept. 3-13 to perform at different events and represent the United States military.

While India and Pakistan continue their difficult political discourse, Track II diplomacy still seems to be rolling with artistic collaborations, despite musicians Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and artist Khalil Chishti being denied visas to enter India recently. At his concert yesterday at the Siri Fort auditorium organised by Routes2Roots and ICCR, popular Pakistani singer Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan and his band Fuzon did their bit to further the cause of camaraderie between the two nations.

“This cultural activity is only one part of Keren Hayesod’s activities to increase cultural ties between Russia and Israel, and create an interface of cooperation on social issues which don’t always find expression in normal diplomatic ties,” said Director-General of Keren Hayesod Greg Masel.

The Turkish edition of China Today magazine will go on sale in major cities of Turkey starting from Sept. 1, which is expected to promote mutual understanding between Turkish and Chinese people and facilitate the two countries' business relations.

For now, Washington is focusing on "people-to-people" exchanges under which academics, corporations, humanitarian groups and athletic teams could travel to Cuba as a way to promote cultural exchanges and programs with universities.

The New York program has been offered for the past two years through the Russian American Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes cultural relations between Russia and the United States.