The arrival of Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese activist, in New York on May 19th marked a quiet resolution to a thorny problem for American diplomacy with China over human rights. It also suggested that, in spite of political tension at the highest levels of the Communist Party, Chinese leaders remain united enough to handle a crucial relationship pragmatically. But compromising with the superpower involves a balancing act at home.

Visiting top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo and his Spanish counterpart called for more economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries on Thursday to boost bilateral ties. Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, said Spain, whose relations with China have sustained nearly four decades, is one of the China's best friends in the European Union.

This follows the opening in 2011 of our Embassy in Addis Ababa, home of the African Union. Expanding our diplomatic footprint sends a clear signal of the Government's commitment to building a long-term partnership with the countries of Africa. Australia is also seeking membership of the African Development Bank. And our Prime Minister Julia Gillard hopes to attend the African Union Summit in Malawi this year, the first ever Australian Prime Minister to do so.

One of the cardinal rules of Chinese diplomacy is that China doesn’t mix business with politics. The precept fits in nicely with the primacy that China places on sovereignty, respecting the right of a country—or at least the leaders of the moment—to determine how things ought to work. And, of course, it also provides Beijing with the opportunity to rationalize its lack of enthusiasm for tough foreign policy action in places such as Iran, Syria, Sudan, or Zimbabwe as a matter of principle.

Canada and the United States enjoy the most placid and interdependent bilateral relationship in the world. And the norms and conventions of quiet diplomacy have, for the most part, ensured the smooth operation of a mutually beneficial partnership. Experience has taught policymakers on both sides of the 49th parallel that noisy political debates and belligerent statements by leaders tend to cause national positions to harden, making compromise difficult.

This article, therefore, examines the questions whether it is a Minister of Foreign Affairs or President Kiir or the entire Government of Republic of South Sudan is to blame for diplomatic failure over Panthoou/Higlig. In my opinion there are number of factors, which led to mounting diplomatic pressure on President Kiir. Please take a look at the followings.

Open letter to the German Ambassador: I have found it necessary to address this letter to you in view of certain developments at your Lagos Consulate with regard to visa requirements which have very adverse implications for academic practice in Nigeria.

The ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced May 22 that it will stage a fashion show and culture exhibition in Taipei City to celebrate Africa Day. “The initiative is in line with President Ma Ying-jeou’s cultural diplomacy approach,” the MOFA said in a statement. “It is also an opportunity for the people of Taiwan to experience African traditions.”