Dessert
David versus Goliath: The dispute between Beijing and Lithuania has reached a new level. For several days, Chinese customs blocked goods from the Baltic EU state. Shortly before the presentation of the EU's instrument against economic coercion, China is thus providing a prime example of a possible application of the new EU instrument. Details of this defense mechanism have yet to be worked out. Experts warn that member states could dilute it.
By Amelie Richter
The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. As expected, China's reaction is furious. But Washington expects the new German government to take a stand as well. That could prove difficult.
By Felix Lee