Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan's efforts to improve the city's image before the 2008 Olympic Games should start with addressing the chaotic and inefficient conditions at Beijing Capital International Airport. The airport is described as overcrowded, with slow immigration lines and a poorly managed luggage-handling system. Additionally, travelers face the risk of being overcharged by unlicensed taxi touts. The article suggests that the Olympic selection committee may have been shielded from these issues during their visits.

Taiwan's plans to purchase US-made Patriot Pac-3 anti-missile batteries and an early warning radar system from Raytheon face scrutiny due to their limited coverage and high costs. Analysts argue the radar system may not significantly impact the balance of power and could be quickly overwhelmed during a mainland attack. The radar, based on the AN/FPS-115 Pave Paws, is intended to enhance Taiwan's defense capabilities but faces opposition due to its vulnerability and short warning time. The People's Liberation Army's missile threat remains a key concern, with some experts suggesting Taiwan needs counterstrike capabilities. The radar system's integration into a US-backed missile defense network could strengthen Taiwan's military alliance with the US.

The article delves into the peculiar history of the Nobel Prize Sperm Bank, initiated following the death of inventor Ephraim Shay in 1916. Shay, known for his steam engine design and community contributions, indirectly set the stage for one of America's most unusual reproductive experiments.

The author recounts an unexpected encounter with Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, on a street corner in Wan Chai. The author reflects on his desire to express to Tsang that, despite not having the right of abode or Chinese citizenship, he considers Hong Kong his home and is tired of being asked where he is 'really from.' The author hopes for anti-racism legislation and a more inclusive government. The article ends with Tsang asking the author where he is from, despite the author's intention to discuss his love for Hong Kong.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, despite significant investment and modernization efforts, still operates with largely outdated military equipment, including Ming-class submarines and Soviet-era aircraft. The PLA's arsenal is considered inefficient for modern warfare, and the military faces challenges in maintenance and training. China's defense spending has increased, with estimates suggesting it could surpass that of US allies by 2025. This modernization drive has raised concerns among China's neighbors and US officials, with US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld questioning China's peaceful rhetoric in light of its military expansion. The PLA acknowledges its financial constraints and the need for further reforms to support an IT-supported army. Analysts emphasize that acquiring modern equipment is only the first step, as the PLA must also develop the necessary tactics and skills to effectively use and maintain it.

China's national defense budget, a focal point of international scrutiny, has increased by nearly 13% to 247.7 billion yuan, representing 1.6% of its GDP. Despite the rise, this is significantly lower than the US defense spending of US$430 billion, which is 3.9% of its GDP. Mainland officials highlight that while defense spending has quadrupled over the past decade, it has not kept pace with economic growth, contrasting with the mid-1980s when defense spending was about 5% of GDP. Beijing compares its 2003 military expenditure to other nations, noting it was 57% of Japan's, 76% of France's, and 5.7% of the US.

Missile defense remains a significant yet flawed endeavor, with the US government planning to invest US$55 billion over the next six years. Despite advancements, the effectiveness of systems like the Patriot missile remains questionable, with mixed results in combat scenarios. Critics highlight the high costs and limited success rates, while demand for anti-missile systems continues to grow due to threats from countries like North Korea and China. Raytheon's Patriot missiles are widely used, but their performance and cost-effectiveness are under scrutiny.

The article lists and describes several Japanese military and political figures from World War II, detailing their roles and actions that led to their convictions as war criminals. These individuals were involved in planning and executing Japan's military campaigns in China, Southeast Asia, and other regions, and were responsible for numerous atrocities, including the Rape of Nanking and the use of slave labor.

The article reviews two books that explore the atrocities committed during the Rape of Nanking in 1937, highlighting the brutal actions of the Japanese Imperial Army and the efforts of Western nationals to document and mitigate the violence. It discusses the historical context and the personal stories of those involved, including a novel by Douglas Galbraith and a historical account by Suping Lu. The narrative underscores the ongoing impact of these events on Sino-Japanese relations and the complexities of understanding the motivations behind such barbaric behavior.

The Yasukuni Shrine in Japan, which enshrines 14 class-A war criminals among others, remains a contentious issue between China and Japan. Visits by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi have sparked protests, particularly from China, where the government emphasizes Japan's war-time atrocities. The shrine's enshrinement of war criminals, secretly conducted in 1978, is seen as a symbol of Japan's failure to atone for its past aggression, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.