China
Obituary of Jan Hecker + ECCHR files lawsuit
Dear reader,
The unexpected death of German Ambassador Jan Hecker has caused deep consternation in both Berlin and Beijing. Angela Merkel's chief foreign policy advisor had taken up his post in the Chinese capital only a few weeks ago. Great hopes rested on his commitment. Now there is great sadness on all sides. We take a look at Merkel's man in China: How did the Kiel native come to join the chancellor's small circle of advisors? His death also impacts relations between both nations. It was not without reason that Merkel sent Hecker to China shortly before the end of her term in office. This makes the void he leaves behind all the greater.
Xinjiang is one of the world's most fertile regions for the growth of cotton. More than 80 percent of the cotton produced in China comes from the northwestern province of China – about one-fifth of the global production. However, for years, non-governmental organizations have feared that forced labor could occur en masse in Xinjiang. Now, human rights organization ECCHR has filed criminal charges against several German textile brands and retailers. The complaint is directed against the discounters Lidl, Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd, as well as C&A and Hugo Boss. The lawsuit is a harbinger of mounting pressure on companies doing business in China, analyzes Felix Lee.
I hope our latest issue will provide you with many new insights,
