
China wants to put a price tag on the environment. The idea behind it: If nature has a financial value, it is more likely to be protected. This not only has consequences for companies able to gain points for their environmental score, similar to the social credit system. But for the careers of Chinese officials, the preservation of "ecological goods" could also soon become just as important as economic growth – one of their responsibilities.
By Nico Beckert
US Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting Singapore and Vietnam to promote her government's credibility in Southeast Asia following criticism of the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Her advances are apparently taking root, as the People's Republic of China has lost a lot of trust with its uncompromising behavior in the South China Sea.
By Marcel Grzanna
Will China fill the gap left by the US in the Hindu Kush? Not militarily, says journalist and former Afghanistan correspondent Cem Sey in an interview with China.Table. But Beijing's pragmatic approach to the Taliban could bring economic opportunities to China, even if Afghanistan's resource wealth is more of a myth. Felix Lee spoke with Sey.
By Felix Lee