Diplomacy

All news and posts of our editorial team on the topic

The US courts China – while the EU pouts
While Washington attempts to establish contact with China on many levels, Brussels is not really willing to talk to Beijing. Not even when the Chinese security advisor or the minister of defense are already in Europe for other meetings. This threatens to put the EU out of touch. Even within Europe, resentment is stirring. continue reading →
Prague also plans to stand up to China
The newly elected Czech government is taking a more proactive approach toward Beijing than its predecessor: Prime Minister Petr Fiala chose China-critic Jan Lipavský as foreign minister for his cabinet. The 36-year-old from the Czech Pirate Party had already called the People’s Republic a “danger to the Czech Republic” before taking office, according to media […] continue reading →
Debt trap or generous foreign aid?
Is China luring other emerging markets into a "debt trap"? China's particular form of foreign aid invites misunderstanding. A thorough analysis of openly available data by researchers provides a much more nuanced picture. continue reading →
The EU and the unpleasant Taiwan question
The lasting semiconductor shortage and the shortage of medical products, especially at the beginning of the Covid pandemic, have made Western nations realize Taiwan's pivotal role. In Brussels, too, the island seemingly begins to shift into focus, and the community of nations is looking for its way. What is the "Taiwan hype" all about? continue reading →
Opening of Universal Studios: More freedom for the park than for movies
The Chinese film market is becoming more and more important for Hollywood, but Beijing keeps Hollywood films on a tight leash. And so America's soft power is blazing a different trail: The world's largest amusement park of the American Universal Studios has opened its gates in China's capital. continue reading →
Borrell and Wang Yi continue strategic dialogue
Shortly after the general election and amid choppy diplomatic waters, EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell and China’s foreign minister Wang Yi have agreed to hold talks. Borrell and Wang will speak for around two hours via video link on Tuesday as part of the EU-China strategic dialogue, a spokeswoman for the European External Action […] continue reading →
On the death of German ambassador Jan Hecker
Jan Hecker was one of Angela Merkel's closest confidants. The Chancellor purposely sent her chief foreign policy advisor to Beijing, so that Germany would be represented by an experienced and decisive diplomat. Hecker has now passed unexpectedly after only a few days in office. continue reading →
“No dialogue is achieved with moralizing lectures”.
Michael Schaefer looks back on many aspects of the German-Chinese exchange: he was both German ambassador to Beijing and head of a major charitable foundation in Germany. In an interview with China.Table, he explains why dialogue is currently floundering – and what paths can lead out of this impasse. Schaefer was one of the initiators of "Zukunftsbrücke – Chinese-German Young Professional Campus", which celebrated its tenth anniversary this weekend with an event in Berlin. Finn Mayer-Kuckuk spoke with Schaefer. continue reading →
The panda bares its claws
China's new ambassador to the US, Qin Gang, sends a conciliatory signal at the beginning of his term in office with a message of greeting to a panda bear. But when it comes to COVID-19, it becomes clear that this new ambassador is also able to display a fierce attitude towards Washington. After all, unlike diplomats of democratic systems, Qin enjoys considerably less leeway in his work. continue reading →