If in defense of the principle of sovereignty China is willing to block sanctions against Iran and North Korea, then surely Beijing should be willing to take the far more benign step of supporting Israel.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Israel's opening to China

Sadly for South Korea, while China can be depended upon to block the passage of effective sanctions against North Korea in the UN Security Council and to take any other necessary action to protect the North Korean regime, South Korea cannot expect the US to take action to rein in North Korean aggression.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: South Korea, North Korea, Israel & Iran

He crossed China from north to south in 2006, at 72 with just three brake-block changes, one jammed rear-brake cable and a change of tape on the handlebars.

ECONOMIST: Ian Hibell