Balloon program + Solar independence + Angry pensioners

China’s balloon was not a solitary balloon but belongs to a large family. They have been produced in great numbers for years. Michael Radunski reveals which engineers are behind the program and which companies are involved. Reconnaissance over enemy territory had already been going on for years – and even the suspicious neighbors Japan and Taiwan didn’t realize for a long time what was floating over them.

Germany was once a proud pioneer in solar energy. Then China ousted German suppliers with irresistibly cheap panels, leaving not only dependence on finished products but also on Chinese technology. Nico Beckert spoke with business and supply chain experts about ways out of the situation. And they agree: The way out of the trap would be bumpy and expensive – but possible.

The white-paper protests were mostly fueled by a young student movement and lasted loudly for days. Now the authorities are facing the fury of another age group – perhaps one with more social pressure – pensioners. In the city of Wuhan, senior citizens are currently taking to the streets, as Fabian Kretschmer reports. They are protesting against cuts in the social and health care system. This is because the latter has been pushed to its financial limits due to zero-Covid. The displeasure of the elderly could become a threat to the leadership in Beijing.

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Amelie Richter