The People's Republic allows masses of foreign tourists from 75 countries to enter the country visa-free for up to a month. New liberal policy? Beijing continues to practice the balancing act between freedom of movement and control.
By Johnny Erling
Many non-political issues can divide public opinion in China, such as whether zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in reed leaves) should be salty or sweet, or whether sugar belongs in scrambled eggs with tomatoes. These topics reflect large regional differences, yet people treat them as harmless jokes. One issue, however, can trigger real disputes: traditional Chinese medicine.
By Redaktion Table
The general life expectancy of the Chinese is expected to rise to 80 years in the next five years. This was unthinkable when “barefoot doctors” were still treating farmers.
By Johnny Erling
Our “View from China” column is written by authors from the People’s Republic. This week’s topic is the increasing social acceptance in China of suspecting fellow citizens of espionage. This development also follows a global trend.
By Redaktion Table
China is making its presence felt at the Frankfurt Book Fair – but behind the glittering volumes lies an ailing industry. The five-volume work by state and party leader Xi, who has overtaken all his predecessors, does nothing to change this.
By Johnny Erling
Our “View from China” column is written by authors from the People’s Republic. This week’s topic is discrimination after the age of 35. The age pressure that used to apply mainly to women is now affecting the whole of society in the workplace. But there are steps that could change this.
By Redaktion Table
Beijing and Taipei are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of their Imperial Palace Museums with special exhibitions this week. To coincide with the split commemoration and before the start of the book “fair,” Rainer Kloubert’s large volume of stories is being published: “Forbidden City – Forbidden Land? Signs in the Middle Kingdom.”
By Johnny Erling
Homo Journalisticus needs one thing above all for reporting in China: press badges that allow entry to events of all kinds. The cardboard badges are not just mementos, but also evidence of the areas journalists were once allowed to look into that are now closed off.
By Johnny Erling
Our "China Perspective" column is written by authors from the People's Republic. Today's article is about the difficult relationship between Japan and China. Japan has been very reluctant to confront its own wrongdoings, while in China, memories of the past primarily serve the interests of the party.
By Redaktion Table
The imperial lakes around Zhongnanhai and the picturesque seaside resort of Beidaihe are the seats of Chinese power. It is here that Xi Jinping meets with his closest confidants to make decisions that are then merely rubber-stamped at party conferences. A closer examination of the history of these places reveals some German influences.
By Johnny Erling
