After pressure from multiple sides, the controversial Confucius Institutes began to close in the US in 2020. More than 100 of the language and cultural institutions officially ceased their work in recent years. Now, it seems, some of them are back – just with a new name and a new look.
By Amelie Richter
Beijing no longer allows its solvent middle class to leave the country. Vacations abroad have thus become a distant dream for the Chinese – the once most popular destinations are already feeling the effects.
By Redaktion Table
Italy scrutinizes Chinese investments comparatively strictly. Several Chinese projects have been stopped in recent years. After the parliamentary elections on September 25, however, this trend could intensify significantly. This is because the favored right-wing populist alliance around Giorgia Meloni opposes close ties with China.
By Amelie Richter
In recent years, China has built more wind turbines than any other country. But the turbines are slowly reaching the end of their life-cycle. They are either dismantled or replaced by new turbines, which poses a huge recycling problem for China. So far, there is no adequate recycling system for the rotor blades.
By Nico Beckert
Germany's automotive industry must diversify and reduce its dependence on China, says Hildegard Mueller, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), in an interview with Europe.Table. However, she believes that China should not be isolated, despite all the caution. "That would be naive – and fatal, both politically and economically." The interview was conducted by Markus Grabitz and Lukas Scheid.
By Redaktion Table
In Germany, the UN report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang is causing harsh reactions. The German Foreign Office calls for the immediate release of all detainees, while human rights politicians demand a discussion about Volkswagen's involvement in the region. Beijing itself was blindsided by the directness of the accusations.
By Marcel Grzanna
The so-called median line between Mainland China and Taiwan was previously considered an unofficial border and respected by both parties to the conflict. But since Pelosi's visit, Beijing has sent more and more warships on provocative practice runs across the median line. The risk of an accidental escalation is growing.
By Christiane Kuehl
Following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, China has ended its cooperation with the US in terms of counter-narcotics. The cooperation has long been shaped by conflicts and recriminations on both sides. Now, the withdrawal could push up the already soaring numbers of fentanyl victims even further.
By Redaktion Table
Michelle Bachelet presented the UN report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang at the end of her term in office. The document is a reckoning with the Chinese government, which tried to prevent its publication until the very end. The paper clearly goes beyond the rhetoric that she had usually displayed toward Beijing.
By Marcel Grzanna
Hong Kong's film industry was once the third largest in the world. Even before the suppression of the democracy movement, the industry suffered from censorship and self-censorship. A few continued courageously with critical documentary films. That, too, is now over.
By Felix Lee
