Playing The Gentle Giant

Beijing's attempts to promote Chinese soft power are falling short - even in Hong Kong

Playing The Gentle Giant

Although it is very widely observed that 'soft power' originates in the civil society, China seems to be taking an unusual route of upgrading its soft power despite the civil society being entangled by state-run institutions and press. So much so that Hong Kong itself isn't finding many takers on identifying oneself as Chinese, one survey by the University of Hong Kong reports.

-The Times of India, February 17, 2012  

Disconcerting Telepresence

The internet is creating new human networks not limited by geography or nationality

Disconcerting Telepresence

-The Times of India, January 25, 2012

"As more and more people experience activities through an internet telepresence, they are unlikely to care about what is American, what is Indian, and what is Chinese," says Narain D. Batra, professor of communications and diplomacy at Norwich University. 

More Than A Tactical Shift?

More Than A Tactical Shift?

"The recent visit by China's Supreme Councillor and special representative Dai Bingguo for the 15th round of border talks was marked by uncharacteristic bonhomie."

Nayan Chanda suggests a shift in the attitude - moving towards 'fence-mending' - initiated by China during the recent border talks. The shift is elaborately discussed.