Cultural exchange and Mandarin study do not provide clear-cut answers to the serious policy challenges China and the U.S. face, but my experience studying Mandarin has instilled an abiding sense of curiosity and a commitment to understanding and respect – and that’s a start.

Why do dictators bother paying lip service to democracy?

China’s bargaining power as a trusted and influential player on the global stage remains weak, especially hindered by its track record in dealing with Tibet, Taiwan, Xinjiang and Falun Gong. The massive Confucius Institute Project has served as an active medium for cultural diplomacy, behind the front of promoting the Chinese language and cultural dissemination.

Whenever China is faced with a challenge or an obstacle, it overcomes it, and grows stronger in the process.

At the 19th CCP National Congress, Xi Jinping called for building a community of a shared future for mankind. But what are the implications of this initiative?

Mr. XI Jinping was elected the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Eighteenth Party Congress in November 2012. In the five years between the Eighteenth and the Nineteenth Party Congress, Mr. XI has accomplished a great deal.

With Gray Rhinos appearing on the horizon and gathering speed, the world looks to China and other emerging economies for new and creative ideas to tackle the challenges ahead, and to further globalization and global governance.

Most Western media have characterized the recent 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as a pure power play, with President Xi Jinping entrenching his position. But the accumulation of political capital in this case is a means to an end.

Find out about the basics of the 19th CPC National Congress: major policy initiatives about the war on poverty, sustainable development and transforming the state-owned enterprises, as well as the new top leadership team.

President Xi has initiated a third revolution in China by reviving Confucian governance.