The hype surrounding China's vaccine deliveries to poorer countries has subsided. The EU now exports more doses and is an equally popular partner. The mood has also tipped because China charged for the shipments, while the products proved ineffective.
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Hong Kong's Cardinal Joseph Zen has been a thorn in the side of both the Vatican and the Communist Party over the past few years. He supported the city's protest movement and criticized the Catholic Church for a "bad deal" with the People's Republic. On Wednesday, the 90-year-old was arrested on charges of conspiring with foreign forces - just three days after former Security Chief John Lee was elected as the city's next Chief Executive.
By Marcel Grzanna
China could find a new friend in the central European EU state of Slovenia. The right-wing populist Janez Janša, who recently went toe-to-toe with Beijing, has been voted out of office. Foreign policy played virtually no role in the election campaign, and the designated government under Robert Golob is primarily focused on economic growth.
By Amelie Richter
Beijing faces a Covid lockdown. Omicron thus reaches the political heart of China. And the costs of this policy rise considerably - economically, socially, and increasingly politically. Yet China indulges in vaccine nationalism. Why does Xi Jinping continue to cling to zero-Covid?
By Michael Radunski
Supplying the population with food is not only a challenge in the lockdown of Shanghai, a metropolis with a population of 25 million. It has been a headache for China's leadership for quite some time. The problem of contaminated farmland is bigger than anywhere else in the world.
By Ning Wang
While Xi Jinping resolutely sticks to his zero-covid strategy on the mainland, Hong Kong is gradually lifting Covid measures. The newly-elected Chief Executive John Lee intends to reopen the international border as quickly as possible. This could soon make it easier to enter the country from Europe than from the People's Republic.
By Redaktion Table
According to reports, China's leadership will soon sit down with the country's tech bosses. They are expected to help slow the downturn in the second-largest economy.
By Redaktion Table
China already has effective tools for dealing with Omicron, says virologist Hendrik Streeck. His advice to the Chinese government: It should once more boost the immunity of the elderly with the existing vaccine. With the booster, the Chinese vaccine also protects "very well" against severe cases. Frank Sieren spoke with Streeck.
By Frank Sieren
Under Security Chief John Lee, Hong Kong's police brutally crushed mass protests in 2019. To this day, Lee has not answered for the rampant violence. Still, the 64-year-old wants to lead the city government's fate in the future. His chances of being elected as the new Chief Executive on Sunday are high. He enjoys Beijing's support.
By Marcel Grzanna
The Omicron wave and China's harsh response to it are weighing on virtually all European companies. In a survey by the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, nearly every company complains about disrupted supply chains, lack of travel and other problems. They desire a different Covid policy. Impatience is growing.
By Christiane Kuehl
