An even further concentric circle of cultures is represented: Burger King and Chinese massage parlors.

CNN: Is Dubai the center of the world (again)?

But in The Lab, young Chinese rappers like Red Star's Tang King are learning about music and starting to make their own claims about Chinese style.

NPR: Made in China: Hip-Hop Moves East

In the Philippines the company boasts Chinese fast-food chain Chow King, Red Ribbon bakeries, Mang Inasal grilled chicken outlets, Greenwich pizza parlors and its U.S. chain Burger King franchises.

FORBES: Billionaire Tony Tan Caktiong Takes Jollibee Foods Global

However, the king, who is in the Chinese capital Beijing for medical treatment, said he was willing to meet envoys from ASEAN and the three other countries later in Beijing this week in a renewed effort to halt the crisis in Cambodia.

CNN: Cambodian strongman lashes out at Asian trade group

His future was assured in 1933 when he saw "King Kong" at Grauman's Chinese theater in Hollywood.

NPR: Special Effects Master Ray Harryhausen Dies At 92

Though emerging economies' excess saving will not disappear quickly (he is unconvinced, for instance, that a stronger Chinese currency would make much difference), Mr King believes these rising giants will be increasingly unwilling to hold the bulk of their reserves in dollars.

ECONOMIST: The rise of emerging markets: Be worried | The