China's foreign trade performed surprisingly poorly in October. This is not only due to the weak global economy. Politics is also to blame, as is evident by the example of Apple.
By Redaktion Table
Compared to the US dollar and the euro, only a fraction of international trade is settled in yuan. But the Chinese currency is gaining in popularity – thanks in part to Russia.
By Redaktion Table
It only took one confirmed Covid case – and the port city of Ningbo went into lockdown. While the isolation of the citizens was still called by its name with some honesty in Shanghai in the spring, Ningbo whitewashed the situation with placating words: It speaks of "silence" instead of quarantine.
By Redaktion Table
Olaf Scholz had the opportunity to break the silence with Xi Jinping in Beijing. He presented Germany's interests and concerns on central issues and found clear words to do so. The vaccine manufacturer Biontech at least received a positive signal.
By Frank Sieren
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.
By Finn Mayer-Kuckuk
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 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
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
