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European Parliament formally freezes CAI

The EU Parliament stops working on the investment agreement and demands a withdrawal of the sanctions from Beijing. A paragraph on non-profit organizations such as foundations, NGOs, and associations in the annex to the CAI is still causing uncertainty among those affected. In a briefing today, the EU Commission intends to provide answers to questions from German representatives of foundations and associations.

By Amelie Richter

191211 -- BEIJING, Dec. 11, 2019 -- Photo taken on Dec. 10, 2019 shows the construction site of the Central Business District CBD in New Administrative Capital, Egypt. Egyptian and Chinese officials hailed on Tuesday the progress in co-building massive skyscrapers in Egypt s new administrative capital. At the construction site, 50 km east of the Egyptian capital Cairo, China State Construction Engineering Corporation CSCEC marked the progress with Egyptian partners in a ceremonial conference attended by officials from the Egyptian Housing Ministry and the Chinese embassy in Cairo.  XINHUA PHOTOS OF THE DAY WuxHuiwo PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN

China builds Egypt's new capital city

China is investing a lot of money in the construction of a new Egyptian capital city. With this, Beijing is securing political influence. Additionally, investments in one of the fastest-growing economies should also pay off financially.

By Redaktion Table

EU must justify itself: How did the sentence on foundations get into the CAI?

The Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) contains a single sentence with impact: The wording that Beijing has the possibility of having a say in the appointment of leaders of foreign foundations and non-profit organizations in the future. This sentence continues to cause lasting uncertainty. EU circles are trying to calm things down, but at the same time, they are making it clear that the passage has been agreed upon and that there will be no further negotiations. How the paragraph found its way into the agreement remains vague. Meanwhile, the European Parliament is preparing to formally postpone the agreement.

By Amelie Richter

Hong Kong: Investment flows despite political repression

In Hong Kong, listed companies enjoyed their best start to a year's first quarter regarding share sales so far. Because after China weathered the Covid crisis well, investors are looking for Chinese assets. The crackdown on the protest movement does not seem to be a factor in this space. Local US investment banks are also hiring massively. Parallel worlds are emerging. The US government appears to have no interest in curbing the inflow of US money for political reasons.

By Frank Sieren

Ein Auto der Marke Seres im Huawei-Flaggschiffstore in einem Huawei-Store

Huawei stores evolve into car dealers

Until now, Huawei sold mainly smartphones in its stores. But the US sanctions are forcing the Chinese tech giant to rethink. A visit to the flagship store in Shenzhen shows how resolutely it is pursuing its push into the car industry.

By Redaktion Table

The Philippines on their way back to Team USA

The Philippines swung towards China under President Rodrigo Duterte. But despite new economic ties, China continues to press islands in Manila's exclusive economic zone, currently at Whitsun Reef. Now Duterte is moving closer to the US again. Verbally, however, the president allowed his ministers to push ahead.

By Christiane Kuehl

China stands up for Palestinians

In the past, China has kept a very low profile in the Middle East conflict. After the latest outbreak of violence, Beijing is taking a more active role. There are various motives behind this: China wants to present itself as a responsible great power and, at the same time score points with Muslim states in the region. The US is portrayed as a disruptive factor for peace.

By Redaktion Table

Fight against forced labor drives up organic cotton prices

The cotton harvest in Xinjiang is suspected of forced labor. Many buyers thus avoid yarn from China. But raw material prices are rising, and soon consumers will feel the effects. However, there is no alternative to higher prices in a severe fight against forced labor.

By Marcel Grzanna

Exit out of the sanctions trap: 'We're simply filling the CAI with life!'

Joerg Wuttke in conversation with Frank Sieren: The President of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China believes sanctions are wrong, argues for pushing ahead with the investment agreement, and sees only limited European political influence on China. While the EU should protect itself against unfair competition from Chinese state-owned enterprises, it should see competition from private companies as an incentive. The goal of the policy should be a prosperous China. At the same time, Wuttke warns Beijing not to squander its opportunities out of overconfidence.

By Frank Sieren

Chinese EV brands: German consumers show skepticism

More and more Chinese EV manufacturers are pushing into Europe. Their market share is still insignificant. China.Table surveyed to determine the relationship between German consumers and Chinese car brands. The result: great skepticism. However, experience shows that brands from the Far East can crack the difficult German market with price arguments.

By Frank Sieren