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China (English)

Feature

Quiet and barely visible: the underestimated work of the United Front

For nearly 100 years, the Communist Party's United Front has sought to rally nonmembers to the party line and keep overseas Chinese under control. Its role as a string-puller in other countries, where it influences perceptions of Chinese politics through close networks of relationships with influential figures, is still completely underestimated. Sometimes foreigners do not even know they are providing valuable services to the United Front.

By Marcel Grzanna

Feature

Shein, the mysterious fashion giant

Chinese fashion platform Shein is shaking up the global fast-fashion industry and challenging the business models of Western competitors like Zara and H M with a sophisticated data strategy. The company already ships to 220 countries. Its market value is estimated at $15 billion – making it one of the most valuable tech startups in the world. However, as the company's profile grows, questions about its production and environmental standard are being raised.

By Frank Sieren