Until now, DFS stores have been centered in the Pacific, in such destinations as Macao, Hong Kong and Singapore.

WSJ: LVMH to Mix Luxury and Tourism in Paris

But democratic Taiwan cannot be highhandedly turned over to Beijing the way the colonies of Macao and Hong Kong were.

FORBES: Fact And Comment

Taiwan is not a Macao or Hong Kong that can be handed to Beijing without the consultation and consent of its people.

FORBES: Fact And Comment

The Chinese government has sent a delegation, including representatives from the security and intelligence agencies, the foreign ministry and the Hong Kong and Macao Office, to assess the situation in Hong Kong and to help it work out its response to the crisis.

ECONOMIST: People power | The

Louis Vuitton, Omega and some other luxury brands now cost less in Europe than in Hong Kong or Macao, two other popular Chinese destinations for shopping trips, Li said.

FORBES: Europe Beckons Chinese Shoppers

China will see 25 percent year-over-year growth this year, putting Greater China (including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) in a strong position to exceed sales in Japan for the first time.

FORBES: Global Luxury Sales to Grow by 8% in 2011

The 20 countries where fertility is at or below the level needed to sustain the current population include China, Hong Kong, Macao, North Korea, Iran, Kazakhstan, Singapore, Thailand, Armenia, Cyprus, Georgia, Barbados, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Chile.

BBC: NEWS | In Depth | Developing world births 'falling'

Khun Sa had most impressive international contacts in Thailand, Yunnan, Macao, and the murkier docks of Hong Kong and Singapore.

ECONOMIST: Khun Sa