During the past several years, Chinese audiences have flocked to see American movies such as Kung-Fu Panda, much to the alarm of China’s political leadership, which has recently made clear that it is not inclined to surrender any terrain on the global cultural battleground.

Several weeks before, in Algiers in December 2010, the U.S. State Department had launched the North African Partnership for Economic Opportunity (Napeo), bringing together over 300 entrepreneurs from Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia and Libya.

The Chinese language course was designed as part of the ROK’s public and complex diplomacy aimed at strengthening the capacity for conducting diplomatic activities involving Chinese citizens and promoting the friendship between the youth of the two countries.

Korean policymakers are discussing the “Korean Wave 3.0.” The Korean Wave, or hallyu in Korean, means the export of Korean entertainment and other culture. The “Version 1.0” of the wave was the success of TV dramas and movies starting about 10 years ago. And “Version 2.0” is what’s been happening with K-pop music over the last year or so.

The US Department of State's AIE office plays a vital role in US public diplomacy through a culture of expansive mission. AIE’s exhibitions allow foreign citizens, many of whom might never travel to U.S., to personally experience the depth and breadth of US artistic heritage and values, so that a “footprint can be left where people have no opportunity to see American art.”

It would be hard to conjure up a grander gesture to mark the state of relations between China and Africa than the new $200m Chinese-built headquarters of the African Union. However, it was with a mixture of bemusement and awe that delegates explored their shiny new gift, completed like so many Chinese projects on the continent in less than three years.

Korea announced plans to promote Korean traditional culture on Monday. “K-drama started hallyu in 1995 and K-pop has been continuing its popularity since the mid-2000s. The recognition of Korean traditional culture, literature or other related sectors, however, is low. It is time to diversify the trend and make it sustainable,” said Culture Minister.