China.Table

Talk of the Town

‘Overtime’ for nuclear weapons: How China is expanding its nuclear forces

The United States and Russia possess by far the world’s largest nuclear arsenals. But no country is expanding its stockpile faster than China – according to Washington, partly to deter intervention in a potential conflict over Taiwan. Beijing, meanwhile, argues that responsibility for disarmament lies primarily with the largest nuclear powers.

By Andreas Landwehr

Trip to China: Berlin and Beijing at a distance

The cancellation of Foreign Minister Wadephul’s trip to China at short notice highlights the difficult situation in German-Chinese relations. Against this backdrop, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers one of her clearest China speeches to date in Berlin.

By Amelie Richter, Stefan Braun and Fabian Peltsch

Trade war or reorganization: Beijing uses US tariffs to strengthen regional markets

While Beijing defends the latest export controls on rare earths as a “legitimate measure,” Washington is once again responding with tariff threats. However, Chinese analysts see less of a “grand plan” by President Trump behind the escalation, and more a chaotic, inconsistent US policy – while China is strategically strengthening its trade relations in Asia and Africa. Traders in China remain calm.

By Amelie Richter