Long article by John Mauldin on the geopolitical position of China makes a key point about China's geography using some cool alternative maps. By envisioning the high rainfall inner provinces as an island he emphasises the extraordinary density and isolation of the Han heartland. The normal map of China looks like a big chook - this version looks rather unhealthy. (more)
It was no great surprise to us when the young student we were talking with began describing China as a large chicken. Frankly our Mandarin skills were such that progressing the conversation to this point had seemed a linguistic triumph. The true meaning had presumably been lost somewhere in a tangle of tones and unlearnt vocab. (more)
