The initial course is being set in the run-up to the next party congress. In a surprising role swap, Xi's confidant Shi Taifeng will become the new "head of personnel". This could be one of many staffing decisions expected this year.
By Andreas Landwehr
The World Uyghur Congress accuses Chinese technology companies of involvement in surveillance in Xinjiang. Now the WUC has filed a lawsuit in Paris.
By Marcel Grzanna
US security experts view the expansion of the Ream military base with suspicion. They fear Cambodia could allow the Chinese military exclusive use of the base in return for the expansion and maintenance.
By Angela Köckritz
The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has been forced to close its research center for public policy in the wake of a new ideological campaign. The researchers are expected to swear "absolute loyalty to the party".
By Angela Köckritz
Donald Trump's second term in office threatens to bring a geopolitical and economic shock far beyond short-term turbulence. The two growth engines USA and China face profound upheavals – with consequences for everyone.
By Amelie Richter
In its reaction to the latest US tariffs, China is turning its attention to rare earths. According to Jost Wübbeke, the EU must also fear for its raw material security. The end of globalization caused by Trump's tariff war could lead to "everyone fighting for themselves and the world's raw materials."
By Marion Bergermann
The son of former Politburo member Liu He is under suspicion of corruption. This means that his reform-minded father could also get into trouble.
By Marcel Grzanna
Using massive subsidies, China is building a national data center network. However, the flagship company DeepSeek exposes the limits of investment-driven industrial policy.
By Leonardo Pape
Trump's tariffs are sending stock prices in Shanghai and Hong Kong tumbling. Initial reactions in Beijing indicate that the government is getting nervous. It is worried about the sentiment of its investors and consumers, which it urgently needs for its growth plans.
By Marcel Grzanna
The EU and the Central Asian states have deepened their partnership with the first summit in Samarkand. The focus was on investment in infrastructure, critical raw materials and green energy – and a geopolitical signal.
By Amelie Richter
