While the United States was wrapping up its Valiant Shield 2022 exercise on 17 June, China launched its third aircraft carrier with all the fanfare. The launch was postponed twice due to logistical and technical issues. The aircraft carrier has been named Fujian with the hull number 18. It has been under construction at the world’s largest […]
When Russian President Vladimir Putin dials into the virtual BRICS summit hosted by Beijing on Thursday, it will be his first time attending a forum with the heads of major economies since launching an invasion of Ukraine earlier this year. For Putin, this could offer a welcome picture: his face beamed onscreen alongside other leaders […]
The U.S. Defense Secretary emphasized partnership as the main priority for the American security strategy in the Indo-Pacific during a keynote speech on Saturday. However, Lloyd Austin stressed that the U.S. does not seek to create “an Asian NATO.” Austin spoke for half an hour at the First Plenary Session of the Shangri-La Dialogue 2022 […]
Chinese warplanes are targeting US allies in a high-stakes “game of chicken” over the Asia-Pacific that risks spiraling out of control — raising the risk of an incident that could spark war. That is the view of analysts who warn increasingly aggressive maneuvers by Chinese fighter jets — accused of endangering both Canadian and Australian […]
In April and May, as Russia’s war in Ukraine entered its third month, China sent a special envoy to meet with officials in eight central and eastern European countries. The timing was not coincidental: in the two months since Russia had launched its invasion, China’s standing in Europe had sunk to new lows. European governments […]
China is gearing up for the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party to be held later this year. According to the consensus view, President Xi Jinping’s historic bid for a third term as the party’s General Secretary is assured. The Chinese President and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Xi Jinping, doesn’t have much […]
I read Dr Mohamad Zreik[2] interesting and comprehensive article on the growth of China’s economy. It has come a long way since the days of Mao Tse Tung and the days of his communist experiment, the Long March, when millions died. The years that followed Mao set the path from which the economy took off […]
China has ordered a nationwide review of school textbooks after illustrations deemed ugly, sexually suggestive and secretly pro-American caused public uproar. The news has alarmed some experts and parents who fear the campaign is turning into a political witch hunt and represents an unnecessary tightening of the country’s already stringent censorship of cultural publications. The […]
The White House has been left scrambling a little after President Joe Biden suggested on May 23, 2022, that the US would intervene militarily should China attempt an invasion of Taiwan. The comment, which Biden made during a trip to Japan, was taken by some observers as a deviation from the official US line on […]
In a recent briefing, the US Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Avril Haines warned, “I would characterize it as the Russians aren’t winning, and the Ukrainians aren’t winning, and we’re at a bit of a stalemate here.” So, where is the Russia-Ukraine war heading? What is Russian President Putin planning next? Is Europe ready for […]
I have been nominated by Mona Howard (Ramblings) and Yannah (Yannah The Wanderer) for the Versatile Blogger Award. Thank you to both of you for this recognition.
Craig Hill 
Congratulation Craig and thanks so much for the mentioned, I highly appreciate this 🙂
Posted by adollyciousirony | February 19, 2012, 22:38You are most welcome 🙂
Posted by Craig Hill | February 19, 2012, 23:35Congratulation! Your blogs are so interesting that you shall get the award. Thank you for mentioning me.
Posted by chankaiyee2 | February 19, 2012, 23:28I’m not sure that there is really an award, but there may be. I think it is actually more “professional courtesy” between bloggers, to show their respects to fellow writers, and recommend to others the blogs that they might be interested in, but aren’t already reading.
I can truthfully say that all those on my list, and many more that aren’t on it, have my respect. Your site especially interests me, and I look forward to reading more. I wanted others to enjoy it as well.
Posted by Craig Hill | February 19, 2012, 23:42Congratulations Craig! You never disappoint in your blog, with excellent journalism and photos. But I’m especially drawn to the invisibly grand–the heart. You have heart.
The award is honorable and has meaning whether it’s “real” or not. The writing is real. The writer is real.
Posted by Brook | February 19, 2012, 23:51Thanks for your kind words. If I wasn’t so humble, I’d have to agree with you 🙂 (Just joking. I actually just enjoy writing).
Posted by Craig Hill | February 19, 2012, 23:54Congratulations
Posted by Indra Chopra | February 20, 2012, 00:00Thank you.
Posted by Craig Hill | February 20, 2012, 00:04Congratulations Craig. I am very honored that you have thought enough of my blog to nominate me for this award. You have earned well deserved recognition for the work you put into your blog. Once again – Bravo!!
Posted by Victor Ho | February 20, 2012, 22:20Thanks Victor. I enjoy your site, so I guess that is why it was one of the first to come to mind when I had to choose just 15 from so many available on the internet. You, also, deserve the recognition for your skill.
Posted by Craig Hill | February 20, 2012, 22:30First, I should say congratulations for your well-deserved recognition, as I always enjoy your blog too. I also just noticed your note about the versatile award. I have never heard of the award, but thank you for the nomination. As for deserving the award, it seems a bit paradoxical, because in designing a blog prudence usually dictates focusing on one subject. For me, well I am probably a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Yes, I am interested in too many subjects, and I suppose one subject would leave me a bit bored. So, in the end, maybe a somewhat ill designed format has its benefits. Anyway, and again, thank you for your nomination.
Posted by mulrickillion | February 23, 2012, 13:57I am the same; interested in writing about a variety of topics. The “award” appears to be a recognition of fellow writers, rather than an actual award, but it was still a nice feeling to get the recognition form peers.
Posted by Craig Hill | February 23, 2012, 14:32