A report suggests that there was collusion between Moscow and Beijing in advance of the war on Ukraine. Chinese officials allegedly asked Russian counterparts to delay their attack until the Winter Olympics were over. China rejects this as a false accusation. The delayed evacuation of Chinese nationals in Ukraine also raises questions. Some points speak for, some against Beijing's complicity.
By Amelie Richter
It is Beijing's biggest annual political event: More than 2,000 delegates form the plenum of the National People's Congress (NPC), which convenes starting Saturday. It is the stage for major policy decisions and key draft laws. The prime minister's speech provides clues about the focus of China's future policies. Xuewu Gu, Chair of Political Science at the University of Bonn, explains to Christiane Kuehl why economic policy will be again at the heart of the People's Congress – despite the tense situation.
By Christiane Kuehl
China and its religion have a difficult relationship. Out of concern for loss of control, Beijing restricts most religious communities to the point of suppression. But on the occasion of the Olympic Games, the Chinese government wanted to pretend openness to the world. With some bizarre consequences.
By
It could have been Beijing's second chance after the Winter Olympics failed to deliver the desired image boost. But the Paralympics are completely overshadowed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, says Mark Dreyer, sports journalist and book author. The day before the opening of the Beijing Olympics, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) excluded Russia and Belarus from participating. Ning Wang spoke with Dreyer.
By Ning Wang
Last year, Chinese smartphone brands dominated the Indian market more than ever. Almost all locally sold Chinese smartphones are produced in India. But the market share of domestic brands is falling dramatically. India is failing to counter Chinese products with its own smartphone industry. An industrial policy failure, but one that could mitigate political escalations.
By Frank Sieren
