HONG KONG - China changes, not Hong Kong

“..most urban centers in this part of the world have changed beyond recognition. China is the extreme case; its Mao-era cities were an unnatural, political aberration, like Pyongyang is today. But for organic urban development it would be hard to beat Kuala Lumpur. Bangkok is not far behind and Jakarta, too, has been transformed. Seoul and Taipei have acquired state-of-the-art subway systems. Only Manila has visibly deteriorated.”

NORTH KOREA - US Falls for Phony Fuel-for-Nukes Deal

“At the end of the day, the agreement again proves that notwithstanding its huffing and puffing, the US can be played and tricked and eventually worn down–and beaten–at the bargaining table.”

CHINA - No queue-barging day

“Did anyone see some poor guy at the airport check-in desk get sent peremptorily to the back of the line with a flea in his ear and a muttered “it’s no queue-barging day, didn’t you know?”"

NORTH KOREA - Boyish U.S. envoy becomes heartthrob in China

“Little known in his home country, the boyish-looking U.S. assistant secretary of state has become a celebrity in China’s capital and not just for his role as Washington’s chief envoy in talks on North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. .. “He’s so charming and attractive,” said Li Kenna, a desk clerk at the five-star hotel Hill stays at in Beijing. “He sometimes asks me how I am in the mornings,” she said. “He’s one of our nicest guests.”"