Here is an interesting report from a rather multi-talented Israeli -- an internationally acclaimed jazz musician/teacher, author, and activist, stemming from his recent visit to Shanghai. Rather than being a distanced, "objective" bit of journalism, the piece has a certain cosy, humanistic flavor. Apparently China is on the rise, economically and otherwise. A subplot in the report is the China-Israel "connection" and what that portends.

http://www.gilad.co.uk/writings/autumn-in-shanghai-by-gilad-atzmon.html