The defeat of the USA in Afghanistan and the subsequent takeover by the Taliban is observed with malicious glee by Beijing. Washington is called a paper tiger that cannot even defeat the Taliban. But the US stands to lose far more than another piece of prestige.
By Michael Radunski
The August summer break for staff in Brussels reaches its halfway point this week. In just over two weeks' time, the political business will resume in the EU's center of power. The remaining four months of the year still have their work cut out for them when it comes to China policy. The EU still has a number of open issues on its agenda, the CAI and sanctions being just two of them. A look at the to-do list and events after the summer break.
By Amelie Richter
No German doctor has been in China longer than Dr. Michaela Heinke. She has treated countless Germans and Chinese and accompanied Dax CEOs on their travels. Her clinic in Beijing is not a joint venture, but entirely German. Heinke talks with Frank Sieren about the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine, the advantages of Western and Chinese hospitals, and measures to combat Covid.
By Frank Sieren
China is taking advantage of the economic hardships of Western publishers to buy itself reputable platforms for its propaganda. In the US, but also in Germany, large sums of money flow into advertisements and inserts in renowned newspapers and magazines. Things could hardly go any better for Beijing. Because this provides the People's Republic a platform for the public display of its political interests.
By Marcel Grzanna
India is massively expanding its troop strength at its border to China by sending more than 50,000 additional soldiers to the north. A closer look at the numbers of both countries, however, shows India's struggles in maintaining the balance of power due to an inferior economy compared to China – Indian now could feel backed into a corner. A war between both nuclear powers is nevertheless very unlikely.
By Frank Sieren
Three Canadians have been caught up in the geopolitical maelstrom surrounding the possible extradition of Vancouver-based Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou to the US. They are currently held in custody in China. Two tough sentences were handed down this week. Relations between Canada and China are at an all-time low – as the verdict of Meng's extradition trial draws near.
By Christiane Kuehl
China's youth is seeking their freedom in music, consumption and the entertainment industry. Kris Wu, China's Justin Bieber, is one of the big stars of the pop scene with millions of followers on Weibo. Now, Wu faces allegations of sexual misconduct. China's authorities are fond of using such allegations to their advantage. With new rules of conduct for actors and celebrities, they are narrowing the space for personal freedom and prosperity in culture.
By Ning Wang
In the course of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing is carrying out tens of thousands of projects abroad. China's global infrastructure project is regularly criticized for human rights abuses. A new study by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre has now compiled 679 allegations against China and its companies.
By Nico Beckert
The US rating agency S P sees China's crackdown on its tech giants as an opportunity to put the country's economic growth on a healthier footing, greater competition, and increase the diversity of companies. Other Western tech analysts share a similar view and speculate that the interests of Beijing and Western nations in the tech giants are not so different after all.
By Frank Sieren
China wants to achieve military superiority over the USA. The West should take this ambition very seriously, warns military expert Zhao Tong in our interview. In Hong Kong, the results of China's rearmament are already clear to see: The U.S. no longer dares to intervene. This will also have consequences for Taiwan, explains Zhao in an interview with Fabian Kretschmer in Beijing.
By Redaktion Table
