It's a balmy summer day. A popsicle. A chilled drink. Ice cream. A cold beer. Just what you need to cool off.
But maybe not if you're in China – that's because Traditional Chinese Medicine – or TCM - says that's not the way to go.
The theory is that too many cold food and drinks can cause stomach problems.
Now that could come as a shock to someone from the U.S. where the general understanding is: when it' s hot, a cool beverage helps keep you hydrated, brings your body temperature down quickly - and is even absorbed more quickly than a warm one.
Much is being made of China's soft power projection abroad thanks to its smart use of its Confucius Institutes to get people interested in the Chinese language and culture. Now China hopes that Xinjiang can serve as a base for a cultural push into Central Asia. But, as BON's Tom Spender reports, Confucius may be in for a bumpy ride.
China's rapid economic rise highlights its attempt to build a soft power base. David Moser invites respected China observers to discuss the definition and the implications of Chinese soft power.
China's rapid economic rise highlights its attempt to build a soft power base. David Moser invites respected China observers to discuss the definition and the implications of Chinese soft power.