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China (English)

Feature

"Trade and values are not mutually exclusive"

It is also in the interest of German companies if the human rights situation in Xinjiang improves, says Kristin Shi-Kupfer, professor of sinology and religions expert at the University of Trier. At the same time, she considers it doubtful when Volkswagen pretends to know nothing about what is happening in the region. Felix Lee spoke with Shi-Kupfer.

By Felix Lee

Feature

Emissions trading without climate impact

Beijing's climate ambitions are great. Emissions trading is to be one of the building blocks for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The start of trading in CO2 certificates was planned for the end of June, but was postponed several times. However, there is hardly anything left of Beijing's ambitious plans after numerous downgrades. Experts even doubt whether trading in this form can make any significant contribution at all to reducing the immense emissions.

By Nico Beckert

Feature

Weak start for ID.4

Volkswagen's new ID.4 electric SUV has not been very popular in its most important market. At least it's safe to say that the debut has been a flop. From the customer's point of view, the strong Chinese competition simply offers more in terms of technology. Nevertheless, VW remains confident and is already betting on further models in the ID series.

By Felix Lee

Opinion

China first, German elections second

China has an increasingly worse stance in German politics. Back in the 1970s, however, there was a competition to see which politician and campaigner would be received by Mao – and how long the talks would last. Back then, going to China was considered a sign of foreign policy relevance. A time that now seems like a distant memory – especially since it has been the source of many curious anecdotes, the likes of which would be unthinkable today.

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