Beijing hesitant about e-fuels + Tensions over deep-sea fishing

In the German debate, some consider e-fuels for combustion cars an important alternative to EVs. China, on the other hand, has so far focused entirely on the battery for the future of automobiles. From Beijing’s point of view, e-fuels and other alternative fuels are particularly interesting for reducing emissions in air traffic, as Frank Sieren writes. However, the technology is still in its infancy in China, just as it is worldwide, due to high costs and limited availability of raw materials. But there are first pilot projects and companies are already securing access to raw materials for bio-kerosene.

Meanwhile, a new conflict is brewing between China and the USA – over deep-sea fishing. China’s fleet is now active around the globe, as a recent tragic accident involving the deaths of 39 sailors in the middle of the Indian Ocean demonstrated. Global fishing in itself is not the problem, but there is growing criticism of the Chinese fleet’s practices, as Joern Petring explains. China’s fleet is increasingly accused of so-called IUU fishing, which stands for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The US now intends to take action against China’s problematic fishing practices and has already imposed sanctions on two Chinese fishing companies. Conversely, Beijing accuses US fishermen of illegal fishing on the high seas. It remains to be seen how the dispute will end. Meanwhile, overfishing is affecting marine ecosystems all over the world.