ambition

Describing the ball as "Met Gala ambition with UK uniqueness", Brocklebank said on social media that the event is "set to become London's centrepiece".

"Beijing could use this opportunity to address both domestic and international audiences that China's growth ambitions remain intact despite the geopolitical headwinds," said Lim.

Having started as a campaign, Operation Dudula, which has, at times, been accused of using force to make its point, is now a political party with ambitions to contest next year's local government elections.

Seen in the larger context of Xi’s global ambitions, this means the Ukraine war has become a proxy conflict between the U.S. and China.

Lofty ambitions, but the work leaves you with the impression of an empty gesture.