Mass tests, panic buying, first residential blocks on lockdown. It seems that the Omicron variant has reached the Chinese capital. Even the authorities are warning of "grim times" for China's capital. The situation threatens to spiral out of control – and could also become a threat to President Xi Jinping.
By Michael Radunski
Following announcements of even stricter Covid measures, critical posts are piling up on social media. Posts have become harsher and more defiant. Over the weekend, censors even added a line from China's own national anthem to the blacklist.
By Redaktion Table
In her bestseller "Hidden Hand" Mareike Ohlberg also covers Chinese media policy, which – as can be seen in the Ukraine war – continues to spread highly biased narratives. In an interview with China.Table, the sinologist explains how well-educated Chinese nevertheless get news from abroad and under what circumstances Beijing could abandon its strict media censorship. The interview was conducted by Fabian Peltsch.
By Fabian Peltsch
After decades of coaxing, Beijing has signed two international conventions against forced labor. The timing is intentional: UN representatives are set to visit Xinjiang in May. And EU-China relations could also use a bit of a boost. The EU, however, is unimpressed. It does not expect any improvements for the local workforce.
By Amelie Richter
For many foreign residents, the lockdown in major Chinese cities is their first experience with the uncompromising nature of an authoritarian regime. Many of them feel helpless in the face of the government's caprice. China's relationship with democratic nations threatens to deteriorate further.
By Marcel Grzanna
The US wants to thwart China in the semiconductor market with an Asian chip alliance. But countries like South Korea are refusing to get on board: The Chinese market has long since become too important.
By Frank Sieren
Bigger, wider and longer – contrary to the trend in Europe toward energy-efficient cars, Audi has presented a concept for a particularly large car in China: the Urban Sphere. In China's narrow and congested megacities, of all places, Audi wants to sell a scarce commodity: space. The Urban Sphere is a lounge on wheels.
By Frank Sieren
China plans to set up a trading scheme for green power. But a nationwide platform is still in its infancy. Meanwhile, ongoing reforms of the electricity market are contributing to making the trade of electricity from wind and sun more feasible in the future. Corporate demand for green power is high.
By Christiane Kuehl
The Twitter account "The Great Translation Movement" translates commentaries from Chinese state media and posts from social media channels into English and other languages. The anonymous collective wants to show the world how brutal public opinion has become in strictly censored China. Beijing fears a loss of international reputation and accuses the authors of conducting a witch hunt against the Chinese.
By Fabian Peltsch
The introduction of the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act next year is a look into the black box for companies. To avoid fines in the millions, risks in the value chain must be assessed and minimized in order of urgency. At the top of the list: suppliers from Xinjiang.
By Marcel Grzanna
