Just over a week before the anniversary of the suppression of the Tiananmen demonstrations, the state in Hong Kong is tightening control. Vigils for the victims are banned. Yet there would be plenty of reason for protests: With a highly controversial electoral law reform, the alignment of the systems is making further progress – and increasing the flight of politically interested residents of the city to the UK.
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The traditional concept of family is finding less and less support in China: According to a survey, four out of ten Chinese women could live without marriage. Of those who do dare to marry, more and more regret their decision. This is a problem for the second-largest economy because the dramatic aging process in society could accelerate further.
By Marcel Grzanna
China's coastal cities are facing an enemy that no navy, no matter how large, can defeat: the steadily rising sea level. Major economic centers like Shanghai and the Pearl River Delta are particularly at risk. Shanghai is even the most affected city in the world in terms of population. In a new forecast, the UN warns that emissions must decrease faster to achieve the climate goals.
By Nico Beckert
Semiconductors have become the most important supplier parts for many industries. Ning Wang talks to Merics researcher John Lee about the chip shortage in the automotive industry, the prospects for greater independence from Asia in key technologies, and possible strategies for Germany and the EU to deal with the problem.
By Ning Wang
Founded 100 years ago as a peasants' and workers' party, China's Communist Party is now an elite organization. Only one in ten interested people actually manages to become a member. The main motive for applicants: better career opportunities in the network of the influential.
By Felix Lee
In the future, China will renounce the obligation to test cosmetic products on animals. This is a huge opportunity for international manufacturers. Until now, companies had to conduct animal tests if they wanted to sell their products in China. However, most suppliers did not do this for ethical reasons. Therefore, they could only sell their products via Hong Kong.
By Frank Sieren
The Covid virus did not come from the wild but from a laboratory – that's how current reports read, based on US intelligence sources. Serious scientists, however, see the illnesses of researchers in Wuhan in November 2019 as far from proof of a fatal accident.
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China announced that it will invest its gigantic foreign exchange reserves more heavily in green assets in the future. A rethink is urgently needed because sustainability considerations have hardly played a role in investment decisions so far. According to rumors, the largest fund even wants to invest $19 billion in the oil giant Saudi Aramco. At present, sovereign wealth funds around the world are finding it difficult to switch to green investments: Their profitability is uncertain and the switch entails costs.
By Nico Beckert
Xi Jinping's goal is clear: China should become a football power. And when the president wants something in the People's Republic, many things become possible: China's entrepreneurs invest billions, buy coaches, players, and entire clubs. Money is not an issue. The results for the new season are devastating: Many clubs are on the verge of going out of business. However, that doesn't necessarily harm the sport.
By Redaktion Table
The Chinese battery producer SVOLT wants to invest €1 billion in new factories in Saarland. The company is relying on the skills of German employees and the quality of German machines. European Head Kai-Uwe Wollenhaupt is certain: The drop in battery prices in the coming years will massively increase the demand for EVs in this country.
By Marcel Grzanna
