Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro has been invited to attend the opening of Taiwan's answer to the Shinkansen, and Beijing isn't happy about it. Apparently, train inaugurations promote separatism.
China has a long history of saying one thing and doing the other. So, should people believe Beijing when it says that it is against the prospect of a nuclear armed North Korea?
In a controversial move that is not likely to win Beijing any sympathy in the international community, Beijing has launched a furious statement attacking both a noted Nobel Peace Prize nominee and the system used to select her.
Once again it's that time of year (OK, so its a bit after that time of year). Bringing with it the three familiar certainties the Cannes film festival: Good movies, star studded parties and retribution from the Chinese government (includes poll).