China is an export nation. But its exports are also dependent on imports. The country needs technology inputs and raw materials from abroad. And the majority has to be acquired from its geopolitical rivals. The trade war with the US has demonstrated Beijing its own vulnerability since 2018. This is why it opts for in-house developments for components and supplier diversification for raw materials.
By Christiane Kuehl
The Chinese economy is under pressure from multiple fronts – as the latest statistics show. Pandemic and real estate woes have weakened growth at the beginning of the year. However, the balance sheet for the past year is impressive.
By Finn Mayer-Kuckuk
As Germany's former ambassador to China, Michael Schaefer has gained unique insights into the People's Republic. Frank Sieren spoke with the retired diplomat about human rights and the diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Schaefer urges more unanimity among EU member states. The EU should draw red lines when it comes to importing goods produced under forced labor. At the same time, however, Europe needs to engage in intensive dialogue with China.
By Frank Sieren
For years, the lawyer Christine Lee made generous donations to British political parties and parliamentarians. Now MI5 is warning politicians about her activities. For the first time, the intelligence service identifies the United Front as a threat to national security. The UK apparently wants to push back Chinese influence.
By Marcel Grzanna
After a three-year search, the Vatican has found a new bishop for Hong Kong in Stephen Chow Sau-yan. The 62-year-old Jesuit is to broker between the fronts and prevent Christians in Hong Kong from suffering the same fate as the believers on the mainland.
By Fabian Peltsch
Waymo, Google's brand for the development of self-driving vehicles, wants to get its foot in the door in China with cooperation with Geely subsidiary Zeekr. That makes sense: If you want to be at the forefront of autonomous driving, you can't pass up the huge Chinese market. Especially since some Chinese manufacturers are more advanced than the Americans.
By Frank Sieren
The Lithuania drama continues: Germany's Ministry of Economics pledges support to the Baltic country, while Taiwan ramps up economic aid. Swedish analyst Viking Bohman has taken a close look at China's strategy of economic pressure. Although he sees Beijing's harsh measures as counterproductive to its own interests, they can still inflict massive damage on the EU. Amelie Richter spoke with Bohmann.
By Amelie Richter
While the US plans of carmaker Seres failed, they still startled Elon Musk. Cooperation with Huawei is now supposed to help the brand achieve late glory. Even in Germany.
By Redaktion Table
Because Evergrande and other Chinese real estate developers are fighting for their future, the rating agency Fitch is predicting a sharp drop in prices on China's housing market. But will Beijing really let it get that far?
By Redaktion Table
After three difficult years, China's car market is growing again. However, in an interview with China.Table, industry expert Stefan Bratzel from CAM warns German automakers not to focus too much on China. While it is true that demand for EVs, in particular, is on the rise there, but German carmakers are barely benefiting from this. Chip shortages, supply bottlenecks, and homemade problems are putting them under pressure. And now the Chinese competition is also venturing into Europe. Felix Lee spoke with Bratzel.
By Felix Lee
