Culture
Good show
With global brinkmanship putting countries on edge, an unlikely nation is charming its neighbours – both near and further afield.
While North Korea’s recent nuclear tests have given the US grief, Russia has taken the opportunity to go on a charm offensive. The political upheaval has coincided with the Far East Street forum which wraps up tomorrow in Vladivostok. The cultural and economic exhibition has featured Venice Biennale-style pavilions from Russia’s eastern reaches – such as Kamchatka – along with musical performances, food markets and even a bit of wrestling. But the limelight fell on South Korean president Moon Jae-in, whose country is also participating in the event for the first time. Vladimir Putin gave his counterpart a tour of the grounds on Wednesday before a tête-à-tête underlining Russia’s desire to seize the moment and exercise influence in the region.