Emmanuel Macron complied with Xi Jinping's wish and announced that Europe would not be a "follower" of either the US or China on Taiwan, which was celebrated by the state media. Simultaneously, the People's Liberation Army launched a fierce drill: It rehearsed encircling Taiwan and engaging targets on the island.
By Finn Mayer-Kuckuk
One visit, two styles: Macron and Xi woo each other. Von der Leyen seems less charming in comparison, but instead comes across as open and direct. The Head of the European Commission maintains the critical tone of her keynote speech during the visit to Beijing. However, Xi does not begrudge the two Europeans any public successes regarding discussions on Ukraine.
By Amelie Richter
The meeting between Tsai Ing-wen and Kevin McCarthy initially went off without any military show of force by China. Although marked as an unofficial visit, Taiwan's president made it clear in California that she perfectly mastered the balancing act between the rival great powers at the end of her term.
By Fabian Peltsch
China is catching up with industrialized countries in terms of technology. According to a study by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, China outperforms the EU countries in 37 out of 44 of the most important areas. Accordingly, Xi can face the Europeans with confidence.
By Frank Sieren
The Chinese leadership and state media are keeping a conspicuous verbal low profile ahead of the talks between Head of State Xi and his European visitors Macron and von der Leyen. They are downright eager to show understanding for the Europeans – surprising after the EU Commission Chief's critical keynote speech. Commentators and social media, meanwhile, are ranting about the guests.
By Jörn Petring
At the beginning of April, the CP launched a new, huge campaign to spread Xi Jinping's "Thought." Former party leaders like Mao no longer play a role in it. In his speeches, Xi blatantly praises himself and completes the party's focus on him.
By Finn Mayer-Kuckuk
Cars can hardly be built in China without human rights violations. Western manufacturers are also directly affected. A study from Great Britain shows which manufacturers have vehicle parts in their supply chains that were produced through forced labor or by inmates of internment and re-education camps.
By Christian Domke Seidel
With too many applicants, government intervention and Covid aftershocks, the Chinese labor market remains uncertain. Workers complain about unpaid wages and choleric bosses. Those affected react with frustration and defiance, even to the point of refusing to work.
By Gregor Koppenburg
The French president and the head of the EU Commission have a difficult mission ahead of them in Beijing: to present EU and national interests in a unified manner. While von der Leyen insists on a "de-risking" of trade relations, Macron hopes for thick economic contracts with the People's Republic.
By Amelie Richter
After the Netherlands, Japan now also restricts the export of semiconductor manufacturing machinery. Both high-tech countries are thus following the sanctions imposed by the USA. Japanese-Chinese relations are at rock bottom.
By Finn Mayer-Kuckuk
