The economic crisis paining Europe and the U.S. is surely one of the factors that has pushed China in new directions in its search for trade partners. Especially if thinking of the long term, China has to expand its network beyond the struggling American and European markets.

Whatever the outcome of the US presidential election on 6 November is, events in Beijing on 8 November will undoubtedly prove of equal if not more significance for a southern hemisphere that has long suffered as a consequence of the unipolarity enjoyed by Washington.

China's vice president Xi Jinping had a newborn calf named after him as he visited a farm during a three-day trip to Ireland. Mr Xi and his delegat...

Let's hope Obama remembers these wise words and upholds humanity's noble ideals to Xi, even if he finds it very 'hard' to do so. Otherwise Obama, will come across like a cheesy, expensive Valentine's card: all lovehearts and endearing words but no real passion or commitment.