Turkey's culture and tourism counselor in Beijing, Ilknur Yigit, is enjoying a surprise publicity boost from Hollywood. As she finalizes plans for the upcoming 2013 Turkish Cultural Year in China, who should appear on China's silver screens but James Bond, in a fast-paced chase across the roof of Istanbul's immense Grand Bazaar. The action in Skyfall later peels off to Shanghai, creating a timely connection between the two countries.

The British embassy in China continues to savor the new Bond adventure, too. Ambassador Sebastian Wood hosted a night of 007-themed glamour at Beijing's MOMA art house cinema: after a black-tie reception, about 200 guests were invited to a private screening of Skyfall.

Aston Martin, the event's sponsor, provided a popular photo op with two of its luxury vehicles lit up against a huge image of actor Daniel Craig. Guests also enjoyed Bond-themed music and Bond-themed cocktails - the latter shaken, not stirred, by Beijing-based British mixologist Paul Mathew.

Indian Ambassador S. Jaishankar hosted a wine-tasting at the embassy last week to introduce two red cabernet sauvignon-shiraz blends from Grover Vineyards in Bangalore, one of the oldest wine producers in the country. "Given China's growing appetite for red wine, it is natural that we now seek to enter this market," he said.

India's wine industry is still an infant, producing just 15 million liters per year, the ambassador said. "The situation is similar to China some years ago. The new wine powers of the south serve as our inspiration. I am sure that Indian wine will be no less improbable or successful than a Japanese whisky."

Prince Sufri Bolkiah of Brunei threw in the ball to open the Snow Polo World Cup tournament last week at Tianjin's Metropolitan Polo Club. The contest was between the US and UK teams, and the British rode away with a 4-2 victory. The finals are on Feb 3.

China's Consul-General for Houston Xu Erwen hosted a reception in mid-January to celebrate Air China's announcement of a Beijing-Houston nonstop flight. Over 300 guests attended the reception, which featured remarks by Xu, Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Neil Bush. Among the guests were Houston City Council members Andrew Burks and James Rodriguez and representatives of Chinese enterprises, Chinese student organizations and the local Chinese community.

Peru's Ambassador Gonzalo Gutierrez hosted a farewell reception for Mercedes Gil, minister counselor at the embassy, who is heading home after an almost six-year assignment in Beijing.

Swedish Ambassador Lars Fredn led a business delegation to Changsha, capital of Hunan province. Eleven Swedish companies, all specializing in sustainable urban development and environmental technology, joined the delegation. Changsha's Mayor Zhang Jianfei received the group and signed a cooperation agreement with Fredn that focuses on eco-city development.

Irish Ambassador Declan Kelleher hosted a press launch last week for the Beijing Chaoyang International Spring Carnival, where Ireland will be the country of honor. Ireland recently assumed the rotating presidency of the EU, but that high purpose took a back seat to fun, as food and cultural performances gave guests an early taste of St. Patrick's Day revelries little more than a month away. The entertainment included a performance by folk dance duo Christy and Erin Jensen (age 14 and 12 respectively), which was so lively that three small potted plants were bounced off the stage by the vibrations.

Send embassy news to michaelpeters@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 02/03/2013 page5)