In "Five Thoughts," the German Chancellor explains how he sees relations with China. He gives a nuanced explanation of why he is going to Beijing at this particular time. But he also tries to please all sides: the Chinese leadership, the German public, regime critics and businesses.
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With his banners on the Sitong Bridge in Beijing, one man has triggered a small but remarkable wave of protests at international universities against the Xi dictatorship. Leaflets also appear in the German city of Goettingen. Opponents and supporters of the protests debate their relevance. But the case of Australian activist Drew Pavlou shows that such actions are indeed a thorn in Beijing's side.
By Marcel Grzanna
Chancellor Olaf Scholz himself must be surprised that he has to face so much criticism for his visit to China. In the past, such a trip was merely routine; nowadays, it contradicts the spirit of his own "Zeitenwende" (change of times). One day before departure, the Chancellor's Office had to justify the visit and sounded surprisingly defensive. In reality, the German economy is more dependent on China than ever before.
By Redaktion Table
When Olaf Scholz will hold talks in Beijing, things will be tougher for him than for his predecessors. China's understanding of foreign policy has changed. It sees itself as the spearhead of a new global balance of power. Its partners are also feeling this.
By Christiane Kuehl
The partial sale of the Hamburg port terminal marked a tipping point in the perception of China by the German public. Concerns about growing dependence now reached segments of the population for whom Beijing's industrial policy previously meant nothing more than boring news in the business section. Olaf Scholz also takes this baggage with him on his first trip to China as German Chancellor.
By Marcel Grzanna
The CEOs of the leading investment banks will meet in Hong Kong for the first time since the pandemic. The meeting is considered a commitment to the world's third-largest financial center of 2021. Nevertheless, many things have gone awry there: The stock market is dragging its feet and there is no progress on opening up the Chinese market. The bankers will have clear words for Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee.
By Frank Sieren
Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under domestic political pressure over his approval of the Cosco deal in Hamburg. On a visit to Beijing, on the other hand, he has considerable room for maneuver. Here, his support for Cosco will actually be to his advantage. After all, in the run-up to the G20 summit, Scholz is dependent on cooperation with Beijing to make progress on major issues such as climate protection and ending the war in Ukraine.
By Frank Sieren
The EU Commission wants to address gaps in knowledge about China. To this end, Europe's most renowned scientists and think tanks are developing new ways of dealing with the Far East in several projects. The China competence initiative will begin in November.
By Amelie Richter
At the end of the Party Congress, former General Secretary Hu Jintao was escorted out of the hall. No public statements have been made since. So a debate rages: Is Hu ill or suffering from dementia? Or did Xi demonstratively have his ill-favored predecessor and his supporters publicly eliminated?
By Christiane Kuehl
While the Chancellor's visit to Beijing fuels the debate in Germany, China's media are downright euphoric. Scholz is portrayed here as a good friend of the country. Meanwhile, criticism from the German governing coalition is growing louder and louder.
By Redaktion Table
