Working from nine in the morning to nine at night, six days a week: this is the work culture of big tech companies, known in China as "996". But 996 has come under criticism. As pressure from both the public and regulators increases, changes are now on the horizon.
By Redaktion Table
The production of Semiconductor requires hundreds of different chemicals and materials. China also wants to localize this part of the chip value chain – and is spending a lot of money to do so. But unexpected problems are emerging.
By Christiane Kuehl
No other German ex-politician is more intensively involved in China than Rudolf Scharping. In an interview with Frank Sieren, Scharping pleads for "realism tied to our values" when it comes to dealing with China. They no longer slavishly follow Marxism-Leninism and have made enormous social progress. At the same time, none of the global challenges would be solved in a satisfactory way without involving China. This is why Scharping called for swift ratification of the EU's CAI investment agreement with the People's Republic.
By Frank Sieren
Chinese tech stocks recovered on Thursday. But investors remain skeptical whether the worst is over. Beijing announced its intention to further regulate the sector with a major campaign over the next six months.
By Redaktion Table
Delivery drivers of meal delivery services are to receive better working conditions and higher wages. In this, the Chinese government wants to counteract the exploitation of supposed freelancers by tech companies. Authorities are now making an example of market leader Meituan to show how legal relationships between providers and its drivers are to be redefined in the future – and are thus following trends in other countries.
By Frank Sieren
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
"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.
By Finn Mayer-Kuckuk
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
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
