Much of 20th Century history unfolded in the shadow of events in Europe in August 1914, when major powers in Europe launched one of the most savage wars the world had seen. August 2014 is looking very different. writes Greg Austin.

During the past dozen years, China’s economic and strategic interests in Afghanistan have grown considerably. Following U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, Richard Weitz discusses the potential for cooperation between Beijing and Washington in the region.

This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which will be held in China. While there is much to celebrate at this juncture, Wu Zhenglong points out that further cooperation between the US and China is key to APEC’s future success and the economic stability of member countries.

Observers in both East Asia and the United States have become increasingly worried about the growing tensions between China and Japan. However, the tendency to place all of the blame on Beijing may be mis-guided.

In 2014, China and the US should cooperate on promoting security and stability in the Middle East, writes Wu Sike.

When Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine last month, Chinese leaders, predictably, condemned his decision to honor those behind “the war of aggression against China.” But Abe was also sending a message to Japan’s main ally and defender, the US.

Shinzo Abe continues to disown the country's dark past by visiting the Yasukuni Shrine and doctoring textbooks, writes James Hsiung.

The escalation of tensions between China and Japan in 2013 has put a strain on the bilateral relationship and puts the Asia-Pacific region at risk for conflict. As Jin Ying points out, there are three steps the US should take to ensure stability and peaceful development.

In 2013, the continued cooperation of China and African nations has been a boon for the continent by increasing economic development and providing much needed healthcare infrastructure. As He Wenping explains, China’s cooperation with Africa only creates more areas of converging interests between China and the US, boosting bilateral relations.

After attending the 9th Manama Dialogue as China’s Middle East envoy, Wu Sike reflects on the meeting’s departure from previous years, the Syrian crisis and China’s increasing role in the Middle East.