An Expert Interview for South China Morning Post on China & North Korea on 10 October 2018 by Dr. James Downes.
The title: “Yao Ming adds stardust as North Korea and China show unity through basketball”
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/2167813/yao-ming-adds-stardust-north-korea-and-china-show-unity-through
The summary of commentary by Dr. Downes:
“We can see that sport is being used as an extension of politics – it is an important political tool that is being used here by North Korea and Beijing,” said James Downes at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
“The main message here is that Beijing has geographical proximity on its side, which the United States does not. Beijing is showing its strength and ability to negotiate politically with North Korea at its whim, and showing the US its geopolitical strength in the region.”
