Twilight In Italy (Cover Story)
What happens when old-world craftsmanship collides with harsh new commercial realities? Welcome to Manzano, Italy's chair-production capital, as it is battered by cheaper Chinese rivals

Sitting Pretty (Cover Story)
One town's rise from bamboo-forested backwater to manufacturing power shows why China is so formidable. But staying on top will be a challenge

Veni, Vidi, Gucci (Cover Story)
China goes shopping

"Europe Found Itself Unprepared" (Interview)
TIME talks with Italian Finance Minister Giulio Tremonti

Pigs and Puccini (Cover Story)
China and Italy find common ground


China's Toxic Shock
A huge chemical spill shuts down a city's water—and another clumsy official cover-up is exposed

The Lessons of Harbin (Viewpoint)
Government inaction means millions are paying for prosperity with their health

No Bang from this Buck (Viewpoint)
Stephen Roach is chief economist and director of global economic analysis at Morgan Stanley


A Cloning Cover-up
South Korea's stem-cell pioneer resigns over ethical questions

Heroes Need Not Apply
Why was a prominent NGO representative denied re-entry to Indonesia?

Milestones
Appreciation: George Best

Verbatim

Letters
How to Save a Life

In the Red
A new book offers tips on doing business in China


Funk from Junk (TIME Global Adviser)
A Thai jeweler finds a new use for bric-a-brac

Check In: Camp it Up (TIME Global Adviser)
The Four Seasons' new "tented camp" in northern Thailand isn't exactly roughing it

Building on the Past (TIME Global Adviser)
Can the crumbling splendors of Chettinad, India become a tourist draw?

Amuse Bouche: Hit the Deck (TIME Global Adviser)
A floating Hong Kong institution gets a much-needed upgrade

Grapevine: Trunk Call (TIME Global Adviser)
Get the party started with Krug's luxe new Champagne trunk