A key revelation to emerge from last week's WikiLeaks dump of US diplomatic cables is that China's attitude towards North Korea is far more nuanced and unpredictable than its official stance suggests.
US President Barack Obama (C) shakes hands with troops after addressing them at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan December 3, 2010 during a surprise visit for the holidays.
South Korean volunteers in Santa Claus outfits wave before going out to hand out Christmas gifts to prematurly born babies in Seoul on December 2, 2010.
Artists Lisa and Jacob Hodsdon demonstrate the traditional Japanese folk art of Kokeshi Dolls at Asia Society New York.
Indian HIV positive/AIDS children wear masks as they take part in an awareness event, a project of a college of social work in Mumbai on December 1, 2010.
China's obsession with using cosmetic surgery to enhance body image raises bigger, more important questions.
A steel worker is pictured as he washes after working with molten steel at Ittehad Steel Mill Islamabad on November 30, 2010.