China is rapidly expanding its renewable energy sector. Should the provinces and the central government implement all planned projects, China will reach its expansion targets much earlier than expected. Carbon emissions could then already peak in 2025 – five years ahead of schedule. But provincial interests could become a problem.
By Nico Beckert
China's Internet regulator has passed a new law that will regulate algorithm-based recommendations on the Internet. The law affects a wide range of tech companies – from trading platforms to delivery services and social media groups. It opens the doors for government intervention and control of algorithms.
By Frank Sieren
The Smart brand is about to undergo a fundamental change. Together with Geely, Mercedes is turning everything upside down: production, technology, sales and the car itself. In the end, the Smart #1 will be sold in both Europe and China.
By Christian Domke Seidel
By ratifying Conventions 29 and 105 of the International Labor Organization (ILO), China has pledged to do everything in its power to prevent possible forced labor. But paper is patient, and the ILO is trapped in its strict procedures. Possible consequences for systematic forced labor in China lie years in the future, despite pressing evidence.
By Marcel Grzanna
Kuka is a prime example of the fear of German technology being sold off to China. In 2016, the Augsburg-based robot manufacturer was acquired by Chinese household appliance manufacturer Midea. At the annual general meeting this Tuesday, the company is to be finally sinicized. The Chinese bosses also intend to buy out the last remaining small German shareholders and then take Kuka off the stock market. They hope this will inject more peace into the company's management. So far, the company's performance has fallen short of expectations.
By Frank Sieren
Where hundreds of guests used to come in and out each day, the doors are now locked most of the time: The Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai is now a quarantine hotel. General Manager Gregor Wateler hopes the luxury establishment can resume normal operations by the end of the month. Frank Sieren spoke with Wateler.
By Frank Sieren
China's government has no problem with draconian curfews, but is hesitant to impose mandatory vaccinations for the elderly. The latter often reject the immunization for fear of side effects. Moreover, authorities get in each other's way, preventing a successful vaccination campaign.
By Redaktion Table
The German city of Nuremberg will present its International Human Rights Award to Sayragul Sauytbay on Sunday. The Chinese woman with Kazakh roots was the first to publicly testify about human rights violations in Xinjiang. Despite Chinese threats of economic consequences, the ceremony will take place.
By Marcel Grzanna
Joe Biden will travel to Asia for the first time since he took office as US president. Despite the Ukraine war, the dispute with China remains an important element of US policy. Washington wants to prevent China from attacking the Western-dominated "rules-based order". To its allies in the region, Washington wants to make new economic cooperation palatable.
By Christiane Kuehl
China's zero-Covid policy brings tough restrictions for companies. But they also benefit from measures that would be unimaginable in the West: Workers are isolated from the outside world. They stay overnight and live in or directly at the factories so that they do not catch Covid-19 during their commute or at home. First protests are mounting against this practice.
By Nico Beckert
