China.Table

Feature

Chen Xu UN-Menschenrechtsrat

Intimidation in Geneva: 'They occupy the public space'

Wherever criticism of China is voiced during the 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, diplomats from the People's Republic are close. They hijack panel discussions with minute-long statements and take down the names of all opposing speakers. Through its influence on other UN bodies, the country denies accreditation to UN participants it does not want to speak out. Instead, Chinese organizations under the guise of independence increasingly claim more speaking time.

By Marcel Grzanna

Hong Kong: The Silence of the Expats

Uncertainty in Hong Kong has increased further since the new chief executive John Lee took office. Even German citizens are censoring themselves as a precaution because they are not sure where the authorities draw political red lines. The consequences are emigration and a growing shortage of skilled workers. But the city seems more concerned with spreading political mantra than economic confidence.

By Ning Wang

EU China

EU companies lose optimism

The China euphoria of earlier years has given way to great skepticism. Among European companies, there is now a sense of China fatigue in the face of never-ending Zero-Covid measures, which sparked a whole series of economic problems. A new position paper of the EU Chamber in China makes this obvious.

By Christiane Kuehl

Kohle-Kraftwerk in Patuakhali

China continues to finance coal abroad

When China's President Xi Jinping announced a halt to the construction of new coal projects abroad at the UN General Assembly in September 2021, the global community breathed a sigh of relief. A year later, loopholes begin to show: even today, new coal-fired power plants are built with Chinese help. Nevertheless, the announcement remains a positive signal for climate policy.

By Nico Beckert

(220906) -- GUANGZHOU, Sept. 6, 2022 -- Aerial photo taken on Feb. 27, 2022 shows a view of BASF Zhanjiang Verbund site

Companies continue to invest in China despite risks

German companies are some of the biggest investors in China. Some are spending tens of billions on new projects. Analysts warn of increasing risks. But for the big players, growth in China is still just too tempting. Meanwhile, the Chinese sites of German companies continue to decouple themselves from the rest of the world.

By Nico Beckert

E-Auto Xpeng P7

Xpeng P7: A model to challenge Germany's heavyweights

The Xpeng P7 is straightforward, technically mature, and available at a price that gives its competitors a run for their money. The car promotes the image of Chinese EVs. It is packed with technology and loaded with sensors. The P7 shows where China's car manufacturers will attack Germany's heavyweights.

By Christian Domke Seidel

Usbekistan SCO

How China expands its influence through the SCO

More and more countries wish to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This is primarily due to China. After initial reservations, the People's Republic wants to shape the SCO into a geopolitical factor. Beijing would benefit tremendously from this.

By Michael Radunski

Hongkong Jahrestag

Uncertainty in Hong Kong benefits China-plus-1 strategy

Hong Kong is home to many multinational and German companies. As a bridgehead to China, but also for the region, the city is very attractive. But for the past few months, people have been wondering more and more about Hong Kong's future. Will the city manage to gain significance, or will the metropolis take a back seat to locations on the Mainland?

By Ning Wang

Klaus Mühlhahn

'Xi Jinping has clearly lost power within the party'

In a few weeks, the 20th Party Congress of the CCP will begin. In today's interview, sinologist Klaus Muehlhahn talks about Xi Jinping's personality, the diversity of the Party, and possible opportunities for Germany. The interview was conducted by Michael Radunski.

By Michael Radunski

Food from all over the world

China is unable to feed itself. Farmland is scarce, and this year's drought and heat are destroying parts of the grain harvest. But Chinese corporations have been investing in global food supply chains for years. With consequences for global market prices.

By Christiane Kuehl