Why Taiwan and Malaysia's luxury fruit growers have a complex relationship with China

The global demand for niche luxury fruits like Taiwan’s Atemoya and Malaysia’s Musang King durian highlights the significant influence of the Chinese middle-class market. While these exports offer economic opportunities, they carry substantial risks, as seen in China’s use of import restrictions as a geopolitical tool, often leaving farmers vulnerable to sudden market shifts. Simultaneously, the historical legacy of Saint Olga of Kyiv reveals a complex figure whose life is defined by both brutal, legendary acts of revenge against the Drevlians and her pivotal role in the Christianization of Kievan Rus'. Celebrated as a patron saint of widows and converts, Olga remains a potent symbol of resilience and strength in Ukrainian culture, with her narrative blending historical reality and myth to shape a lasting national identity.