"New Democratic Revolution"? "Remaining true to original aspirations"? These phrases made by the Chinese Communist Party often carry a different meaning than they suggest. China experts strive to decipher China's web of phrases; after all, they shed light on future policy. Xi Jinping has become particularly adept at twisting words – and many Western politicians fall for it without even realizing it.
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US President Joe Biden is bringing America's soldiers stationed in Afghanistan back home. The withdrawal is to be completed by the end of August. And a new player is already making its move. China wants to use the resulting vacuum for its own benefit.
By Michael Radunski
The visit of US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman to Tianjin was supposed to prevent any misunderstandings with China. But instead, the People's Republic is using the meeting for a verbal frontal attack. But Beijing is pursuing a larger goal.
By Michael Radunski
The waters of the Mekong River are becoming the focus of geopolitical altercations. Beijing is proceeding to dam the river's upper reaches and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people in Southeast Asia in doing so. The US fears that the riparian states are becoming increasingly dependent on the People's Republic, and are beginning to intensify their involvement in the conflict. But responses of the Southeast Asian states are divided, as they fear getting caught in the crossfire in a potential conflict between the superpowers. Could this be a sign that their dependence on China is already too great?
By Frank Sieren
Up until now, an investment in China's rapidly growing market for private education was considered a surefire bet. But now Beijing is cracking down on the industry with astonishing aggressiveness. At the stock market, vendors are experiencing a dire situation. However, whether these new rules will actually allow for more free time for stressed students and more equal educational opportunities, is a matter of doubt.
By Redaktion Table
A photograph of a Chinese weightlifter is being used as a tool by Chinese diplomats to rally against foreign media. Correspondents reporting from the flooded areas in Henan are being threatened. Affected journalists strongly suspect a deliberate campaign by Chinese authorities.
By Marcel Grzanna
The Olympic Games in Tokyo have begun. At long last it's no longer just about Covid or scandals, but about points, goals, and gold, silver and bronze. In Rio, China ended up in a disappointing third place in the medal table. In Tokyo, the haul is expected to be much greater. But on whom do China's hopes for gold rest?
By Michael Radunski
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) are hit heavier by Covid visa regulations than by sanctions between the EU and China, says Christian Sommer, head of the German Centre in Shanghai. Sanctions are of no use, he says, and decoupling does not make sense. Despite all this, China is still dependent on the presence of foreign companies and their employees. But there is no point in forcing Europe to choose between China and the USA. The German Centre is a positive example of how government and business can work together, says Sommer in an interview with Frank Sieren.
By Frank Sieren
Daimler is doubling the pace of its electric strategy. The problem: this makes the Stuttgart-based manufacturer more dependent than ever on the reliable procurement of high-quality battery cells. Can Daimler's Chinese partner Farasis deliver as promised? The company apparently has its doubts – and has now announced the construction of its own gigafactories.
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How has China managed to become the technological innovator it is today? How competitive are China's innovations? Economists from the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) and King's College London have analyzed data of over 170,000 Chinese companies. Their findings: The strong export orientation of Chinese firms across all sizes and industries has contributed significantly to their success.
By Felix Lee
