As China's influence grows, so does the desire to assert its power.

Recent discord with Japan over the uninhabited-yet-strategic Senkaku Islands (in Chinese, Diaoyu Islands) became an excuse for nationalism at home – and abroad: a Chinese entrepreneur placed an ad in the New York Times, where he "solemly declared to the US government and the American people – the Diaoyu Islands have been part of China since antiquity."

This planter propaganda comes from the Beijing Flower Market. The vendors laughed when I picked it out. In bright red characters it cries: "The Diaoyu Islands belong to China."