Wages used to be none of the EU’s business. But following the German example, lower pay (or more hours for the same money has become normalised, and is now required)

There was relief in China, Taiwan and Washington in January when Taiwan’s outgoing president Ma Ying-jeou, who supports closer ties with mainland China, was re-elected with a comfortable majority. His opponent, Tsai Ing-wen from the Democratic Progressive Party, Who seemed likely to topple him, favours formal independence for Taiwan

When North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-il, died, there was widespread concern about the consequences, especilally in the West. But his son seems to have succeeded smoothly: the country will not collapse, implode or explode.