Chinese oil and coal companies have been looking overseas in their quest to secure energy supplies, pitching the Chinese flag in places like Sudan, which Western companies had largely abandoned under international pressure.

WSJ: China Becomes World's Biggest Energy Consumer

Chinese oil and coal companies were among the first to look overseas in their quest for energy supplies, pitching the Chinese flag in places like Sudan, which Western companies had largely abandoned under international pressure.

FORBES: China Passes U.S. As Top Energy User

The compass was also invented in China, and records exist of how a great fleet was sent under the command of Admiral Zheng He in the early 15th century to show the Chinese imperial flag in the ports of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf, a fleet said to be the largest seen in the world up to that time.

CNN: Building On A Golden Age

Not the kind of flag that Chinese firms want to fly.

FORBES: Chinese Policy Bank Helps ZTE, Huawei To Fly The Flag

"The key factor in its decision has been the Chinese's support of indigenous vendors such as the Chinese Academy of Science's development support of Red Flag Linux OS, " says Gartner analyst Louisa Lui.

BBC: Linux takes on MS in China

Some Chinese officers want to fly the flag ever farther afield as a demonstration of China's rise.

ECONOMIST: China's military might

"In 2025, don't be surprised if a Chinese flag is placed on the moon, " Mr. Kaku warns.

WSJ: The Weekend Interview with Michio Kaku: Captain Michio and the World of Tomorrow

Yao also captained the Chinese team as hosts at the 2008 Beijing Games, as well as taking the role of flag-bearer in the opening ceremony.

CNN: Yao Ming foot injury could 'end career'

The way Chinese tourists are travelling is changing too: wearing matching caps and following a guide with a flag are becoming less popular.

ECONOMIST: China��s new middle class goes farther for its holidays