As Missouri Southern enters the fifth week of the China semester, it appears it is time to dance.

“The Taiwan Difference: Diabolo Dance Theatre of Taiwan,” is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 3. in the Taylor Performing Arts Center. Because this event differentiates Taiwan from China, Dr. Chad Stebbins, director of the Institute of International Studies called it one of the “highlights of the China semester.”

The members of the group range in age from 8 to 24 and have mastered the skills of playing diablo with musical rythum, ballet, gymnastics, jazz and martial arts.

On Tuesday, Oct. 2, Dr. Maorong Jiang will lead off the events with his presentation “Uncontested Nationalism and Realpolitik in China’s Changing Relations with the U.S.”

“I am very honored to be a part of the China semester at Missouri Southern State University,” Jiang said. “This program provides a chance that China is viewed historically, cultural, economically and politically.”

The presentation will take place at 11 a.m. in Webster Hall auditorium.

“My talks on Chinese nationalism and its foreign relations try to see an interesting fact from a different point of view on why China also matters,” Jiang said. “China is becoming a country unknown to many of its own people.”

Jiang is also presenting “Modern China and Chinese Past: A Political Analysis of China-Japan-Taiwan Triangle” at 1 p.m. on Oct. 2, also in Webster Hall auditorium.

“Speaking straightforwardly, Chinese need to embrace their country realistically, not just ideally,” he said. “Worse as yet, with a blind proud.”

The week’s events wrap up Oct. 6 when the Kung Fu Theatre presents “Tales from the Beijing Opera.” The play combines comic and dramatic scenes from China’s most popular stories. This performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Webster Hall auditorium.

Admission to all events is free.