A group of South Korean women who have protested outside the Japanese embassy every week for 20 years halted their protests for only the second time ever to show support for those affected by the March 11 tsunami in Japan.

President Ma Ying-jeou touted Sunday Taiwan's humanitarian relief efforts for Japan as an illustration of the country's soft power and a way to help earn the country wider recognition in the world.

The tsunami that has devastated the northeastern coast of Japan will be a chance, as with the Indian Ocean Tsunami, for American soft power to shine. The massive American military establishment will now be mobilized to save lives and provide aid.

Compiled by Molly Claflin and Millicent Jefferson

A two part summary of press reports on public diplomacy issues and the December 2004 Tsunami Crisis.  A supplement to John Brown’s Public Diplomacy Press Review.

CPD Media Monitor Report by Molly Claflin and Millicent Jefferson

A two-part summary of press reports on public diplomacy issues and the December 2004 Tsunami Crisis.  A supplement to John Brown’s Public Diplomacy Press Review.

US government criticized for slow aid, but tsunami relief attracts record private donations online

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 -- By the time President Bush spoke publicly yesterday and promised U.S. leadership in tsunami relief, a wave of donations from individuals had swept over the Internet.