with bated breath

Mark your diaries people; reschedule all bondage parties you might be planning to throw around that time. His Excellency Paek Nam Sun, minister of foreign affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, will visit China between May 30 and June 6 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, says Xinhua. Paek also plans to visit Guangzhou, which is where I plan to meet him.

Meanwhile, Angela Merkel winds up her trip to China, not with the much-coveted Maglev deal, but with a visit to the bishop.

In other international trade, the U.S. State Department backs away from Lenovo, as the computer-maker slams it as "Cold War mentality."

Back in China, the nation raises its fuel prices, but can't dampen the enthusiasm of car buyers.

And Tibet is the new Gold Rush: Chinese businessmen flock to Tibet to make money, possibly by selling substandard Chivas Regal.

Finally: who's afraid of the Big Bad Condi?