The power of culture can often be underestimated as a diplomatic tool, but cultural exchange can not only serve as a universal icebreaker, it can tear down walls and build bridges between the most hardened of enemies. It may not turn foes into instant friends, but it does allow nations to find points of commonality that transcend politics.

Kevin McKenzie, artistic director of American Ballet Theater, stood by a fluted pillar in a lofty studio at the National Ballet School here on Friday, keeping time with his hands as a group of male students practiced jetés in a circle.

The power of culture can often be underestimated as a diplomatic tool, but cultural exchange can not only serve as a universal icebreaker, it can tear down walls and build bridges between the most hardened of enemies. It may not turn foes into instant friends, but it does allow nations to find points of commonality that transcend politics.

Representatives from 17 Native American tribes will leave the U.S. on Nov. 6 for a weeklong business, educational and cultural exchange trip to Turkey on Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight from Washington, DC to Istanbul, organized by the Turkish Coalition of America.

"Considering not only the spreading of culture and sharing of experience on the development of culture, but also the appreciation of each other's cultural fruits, cultural exchanges between China and France weigh a lot in bilateral relations," a Chinese diplomat told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Vietnam and Japan on October 31 issued a joint statement on the comprehensive development of strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia during Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s visit to Vietnam.

U.S. Army Alaska and the Indian Army celebrated the opening of the annual joint and bilateral training exercise Yudh Abhyas 2010 during an Oct. 31 ceremony at Buckner Physical Fitness Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

As an ancient civilization that has lasted five thousand years, the Chinese civilization has learned a profound lesson by witnessing the ups and downs of other cultures. The lesson is that a culture can be better sustained through openness and become stronger by including diversified external influences.