Over the past several decades, much has been written about China’s “peaceful rise.” But with this meteoric rise in economic development, there has been a rise in China’s military modernization and its ever-increasing assertiveness in defense posture. This has raised concerns among China’s neighbors regarding its intentions.

Bangladesh has resorted to public diplomacy in its efforts to narrow down the decades-old “gap in understanding” with its neighbour Myanmar. The relations with the new democratic Myanmar are of strategic importance, as they are the gateway to China and ASEAN economies, besides spelling a potential supply of natural gas. 

China, South Korea and Japan held a three-way forum on public diplomacy here in Beijing today. [...] The forum aimed to promote cooperation among the three nations. It had three sub-forums separately focusing on political, economic and cultural cooperation.

Indie moviemakers often take on other roles—entrepreneur, advocate, teacher. Add cultural ambassador and diplomat to that list for some of America’s top cinematic thinkers. “Cultural diplomacy is a powerful tool, and independent filmmakers are ambassadors of culture,” said Evan Ryan, assistant secretary of state for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). “We find that American culture is always welcomed. Film is a way in. It’s an important focus for us.”

“What our players and what the Cuban players ... did in those six days did more for government relations between our two countries than has been done in the last 40 years by the governments,” Little League baseball coach Jim Carter said.[...] They spent their April spring break in Havana, learning about Cuba’s intense passion for baseball, seeing cultural and historic sights, getting to meet some of Cuba’s best professional baseball players, making new friends despite language barriers and playing baseball against local teams.

Entitled “Muhon: Traces of An Adolescent City,” and curated by Leandro V. Locsin Partners (LVLP), the Philippine Pavilion  will be located at Palazzo Mora in Venice, Italy. [...] The pavilion, which tackles Metro Manila’s built heritage, consists of the works by six architects and firms: 8×8, CS Architecture, Lima Architecture, Manosa & Co. Inc., Eduardo Calma, and Jorge Yulo; as well as three contemporary artists: Poklong Anading, Tad Ermitaño, and Mark Salvatus.

The U.S. Embassy will hold workshops for female Japanese junior high and high school students on leadership and speaking up in bid to promote gender equality. The program, called “Go Girls!,” will involve four sessions in June, July, September and October at the American Center Japan in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. Students will hear lectures and take part in discussions on the themes of leadership and independence.