Daimler is doubling the pace of its electric strategy. The problem: this makes the Stuttgart-based manufacturer more dependent than ever on the reliable procurement of high-quality battery cells. Can Daimler's Chinese partner Farasis deliver as promised? The company apparently has its doubts – and has now announced the construction of its own gigafactories.
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It's a bit reminiscent of the rejection of the manuscript for Harry Potter by numerous publishers: When Xi Jinping wanted to join the Chinese Communist Party in the early 1970s, officials rejected his application for political reasons. Later, he had to cheat his way into university because he was not to be given a spot initially. An autobiography by the future head of state allows for fascinating insights into this time – and partly explains his way of thinking.
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Not only since the current disastrous flooding in the province of Henan has China been aware that large parts of the country are prone to flooding. For a long time, the government's main weapon against these forces of nature was huge dams and dikes. But Beijing's new approach has seen more sealed surfaces being reopened all over Chinese cities. Nevertheless, the vulnerability to storms remains high.
By Jörn Petring