For Martin Quin Pollard's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Chinese military experts are discussing the conflict in private chat groups, offering their takes on Western involvement in Ukraine and Russia's perceived failings, scholars say.
China has developed armed drones, guided weapons and battlefield communications, systems that might help Russia fill gaps that are being exposed on the Ukraine front.
Some geopolitical analysts have said that Russia's action against Ukraine could embolden China over Taiwan.
"China is closely monitoring the latest situation. We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control," a foreign ministry spokeswoman said.
The country is expected to beat its previous best of 11 medals, including five golds, from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games.
Core to the planning is the rigidly-enforced closed loop that physically separates Games-related personnel from the local population.
Ma Xingrui's stewardship of Guangdong, China's largest provincial economy, may point to why he was chosen to replace Chen Quanguo, who oversaw a heavy handed security campaign.
Glaciers in China's bleak Qilian mountains are disappearing at a shocking rate as global warming brings unpredictable change and raises the prospect of crippling, long-term water shortages, scientists say. The largest glacier in the 800-kilometer (500-mile) mountain chain on the arid northeastern edge of the ...
