Behind the sparring over election dates are calculations over who stands to gain .

对改选日期的争吵的背后，是对谁将在选举中获胜的盘算。

Boards are the most credible sparring partners of chief executives .

董事会是首席执行官们最值得信赖的争论伙伴。

Some chinese commentators say the verbal sparring is a sign of greater trade friction to come with washington .

一些中国的评论家认为这次矛盾是一个信号，表明与华盛顿之间的贸易磨擦将会加剧。

It started out as friendly barbs on facebook , childhood friends sparring over differences in the presidential election .

这始于在脸书上善意的冷嘲热讽，儿时好友因总统竞选的分歧而闹翻。

In recent days the two countries stepped up their sparring over archipelagoes and oil rights nearby , even dropping hints of military resolve to back their rival claims .

这几天，两国在南沙群岛及周边石油权益上的争执进一步升级，甚至均暗示会动用武力来维护自己的权益。