- Controversy over Mao pins at medal ceremony
- Concerns about greenwashing in financial investments
- Wuhan tests entire city for Covid
- Authorities investigate prices of semiconductors
- China demands further information on frigate’s mission
- Will more ‘local content’ be mandatory for medical technology?
- Hong Kong artist Kacey Wong flees to Taiwan
- Tools: Artificial intelligence in Shenzhen
Political statements in sports stadiums are not uncommon. Perhaps the most famous one was the black-power gesture by African-American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who raised their fists during the victory ceremony for the 200-meter race at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City and made history. And US basketball players drove Donald Trump up a wall last year by kneeling during the playing of the national anthem.
Controversy over the politicization of the Games continues this year: Chinese track cycling sprinters Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi stood on the podium at the medal ceremony wearing a Mao pin in red and gold. The Olympic Committee has now launched an investigation into the matter, suspecting a possible violation of rules. In China, the press was sent into patriotic awe – although the People’s Republic is always the first to warn vociferously of the politicization of sporting events. Marcel Grzanna took a closer look at the paradox.
Contradictions can also be found in China’s green finance sector: The People’s Republic considers sustainable investments as a central building block for achieving its ambitious climate goals. However, the new regulations for more sustainability fall far short of international standards. Nico Beckert has taken a closer look at the dangers of greenwashing sustainable investments.
I wish you a pleasant Wednesday and hope you enjoy today’s briefing.
Amelie Richter
Feature
Olympia: Mao on the podium
As the Great Helmsman he was once chosen to be, China’s late founder Mao Zedong might have preferred a victory ceremony for the Chinese eight rowing. But as it was, track cycling sprinters Bao Shanju and Zhong Tianshi made his likeness their own after their gold triumph. At the medal ceremony on Monday, the two athletes had pinned a button to their chests which showed Mao’s likeness – small, but clearly visible up close.
The buttons sparked controversy because they could be considered a political symbol by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and should therefore be punished as a violation of Article 50 of the Charter. The IOC did indeed launch an investigation on Tuesday and requested a statement from the Chinese team. However, the committee finds itself in a tough situation.
On Sunday, the US shot put Athlete Raven Saunders had crossed her arms above her head during the award ceremony. A gesture intended to be a sign of support for “the oppressed”, as she said. The U.S. Olympic Committee took the silver medalist’s side, recognizing the gesture as a “peaceful expression” to signal social justice for people of all colors. The IOC has so far let the gesture go unpunished, partly because it only announced a few weeks ago to interpret Article 50 less strictly than it has in the past.
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