Connectivity – be it the interconnection of transport routes, mobile and energy supply, or people – should now be at the top of the European Union's to-do list. The European Parliament has made proposals on how this can be implemented best. Given the Belt and Road Initiative, MEPs call for more coordination between European foreign, development, trade and security policies.
By Amelie Richter
Following the discovery of the British mutation of the coronavirus in Beijing, starting next week, international schools will be closed and entire neighborhoods sealed off. There will also be mass testing, curfews and strict tracking of infected people in Shijiazhuang. There is little knowledge of protests or resentment against the lockdown just before Chinese New Year, the most important travel period of the year.
By Frank Sieren
Portugal will hold the EU Council presidency until mid-2021. President Costa is in favor of the investment agreement with China. His country has had good experiences with Chinese investments. There is criticism of Portugal's granting of golden visas.
By Amelie Richter
One lesson from the Covid crisis for Beijing is about more automation. The robotics industry is growing rapidly. German exporters are still benefiting, but China is investing heavily in its robot production. The consequence of automation could be a rise in unemployment.
By Frank Sieren
The electronics group Foxconn enters the field of electric mobility. In cooperation with the electric start-up Byton and China's largest private carmaker Geely, the Taiwanese company wants to build vehicles and develop system solutions.
By Christiane Kuehl