The 2008 Olympic Games were not just the cheerful celebration that they are often glorified as today. The critical stance of Western politicians and media left a sense of disappointment in China at the time. This sentiment contributed to a shift in Beijing's attitude toward the world. This year, the feeling of mutual disappointment is about to repeat itself.
By Redaktion Table
A trade war with the USA, competition from electronics companies, a knowledge gap, the goal of climate neutrality – and the Covid crisis hovering over everything. The semiconductor shortage cannot be quickly resolved for China's automotive industry. Shanghai is trying anyway – with generous subsidies.
By Christian Domke Seidel
In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, China needs to adopt a rapid decarbonization strategy including a massive expansion of renewable energy (RE). According to projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA), China’s RE share of total power generation can reach 80% by 2060, if sufficient measures are implemented. To turn this projection into reality, China’s government is pushing decarbonization efforts, ranging from expansion of installed RE capacity to promotion of corporate-level green energy purchasing.
By Redaktion Table
The brand Anta is almost completely unknown abroad. But the Chinese sporting goods manufacturer could soon push its Western competitors from the top in its domestic market. And cotton from Xinjiang, of all places, is playing a role. And, of course, the Winter Games in Beijing.
By Redaktion Table
For the time being, Beijing will not challenge Russia's growing influence in Kazakhstan. This is because the goals of the two superpowers in Central Asia intersect. Both nations seek an end to the unrest in Kazakhstan and aim for growth in the unstable region above all else. Neither wants popular uprisings – and presumably, both are siding in the internal power struggle with Nursultan Nazarbayev, the nation's leader for life.
By Frank Sieren
