While Taipei and Manila continue their very public dispute over the shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman by members of the Philippine coast guard, lurking in the background is China, whose presence is very much felt by both parties.

The questioning of Japanese sovereignty over the Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, by Chinese scholars appears to reflect a new Beijing approach towards antagonistic foreign governments.

Chinese officials have certainly been busy.

Tragedies often bring in their wake the realization of common vulnerabilities as well as greater clarity of vision. Hopefully, the tragedies that resulted from the bombing of the Boston Marathon will result in closer cooperation between governments in the ongoing war against the agents of terrorism.

The death of Margaret Thatcher — the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century and the only woman ever to serve in that office — quite naturally ushered in debate over her political legacy.

This week is “Indian Water Week,” with New Delhi emphasizing efficient water management amid concern that China's construction of three dams on the Yarlung Zangbo River — the name of the Brahmaputra in Tibet — may reduce the flow of water into India.

The Economist magazine noted on the eve of Xi Jinping's first overseas trip as president, when he visited three African countries: “China's image in Africa, once marred by suspicion, is changing ... (A) growing number of Africans say the Chinese create jobs, transfer skills and spend money in local economies.”

The Economist magazine noted on the eve of Xi Jinping's first overseas trip as president, when he visited three African countries: “China's image in Africa, once marred by suspicion, is changing ... (A) growing number of Africans say the Chinese create jobs, transfer skills and spend money in local economies.”

The new Chinese leader Xi Jinping is currently on his first overseas trip as president, visiting Russia as well as three countries in Africa —Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of Congo.

The United Nations has issued its latest Human Development Report, which shows “a profound shift in global dynamics driven by the fast-rising new powers of the developing world,” of which China is the most prominent.