China
Bütikofer criticizes Merkel's China policy + Green Olympics
Dear reader,
Reinhard Bütikofer is one of the most seasoned China experts in German politics. In our interview, Felix Lee speaks with him about Merkel's China policy and what a Green Chancellor would do differently. Bütikofer criticizes Germany's unilateral moves, which tend to weaken Europe's position against Beijing. He explains why Xi's inauguration in 2013 represents a change for the worse, and why China has long since begun to decouple itself from the West. The Green MEP argues that Germany should not become fully dependent on China, and should instead cooperate with like-minded partners to counter Beijing's hegemonic ambitions.
Yesterday, the Olympic Games in Tokyo came to an end. The upcoming Winter Games in Beijing have been a subject of debate in the past months: should there be a boycott due to human rights violations in Xinjiang? The organizers are trying to counter a boycott debate with a positive spin. They promise the very first "Green Winter Games": Its sports venues are to be powered exclusively by eco-electricity, and transport is to be provided by electric and fuel cell cars and buses. Christiane Kühl analyses the concept of the "Green Games" and has found some questionable elements.
Have a pleasant week!
