Table.Briefings

Feature

WHO tobacco framework takes aim at e-cigarette

The tenth session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) will be held in Panama in November. The focus will be on stricter regulation of e-cigarettes and other alternative tobacco products. The EU is currently defining its negotiating position.

By Markus Grabitz

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'There is a considerable alienation between the mainland and Taiwan'

Beijing presents a plan to integrate Taiwan into the People's Republic. Simultaneously, about a hundred warships and fighter jets are dispatched towards the island. In an interview conducted by Michael Radunski, Josie-Marie Perkuhn explains how Taiwan reacts to this situation with a certain resilience and what lies behind its behavior. The sinologist believes that war is not imminent – instead, Beijing resorts to far more subtle measures.

By Michael Radunski

Are Slovakia and the West drifting apart?

On Sept. 30, Slovaks will prematurely elect a new parliament. The previous political leadership in Bratislava stood firmly on the side of neighboring Ukraine. This could change in the event of a conceivable comeback by former Prime Minister Fico.

By Till Hoppe

Minister Li Shangfu ousted

The ousting of China's minister of defense seems to fit seamlessly into a series of high-level purges. Again, sources report house arrest and allegations of corruption. However, Li Shangfu was considered a confidant of Xi Jinping. Is this a sign of the autocrat's paranoia, or is Xi under pressure? At the very least, Xi's internal reputation is dented.

By Michael Radunski

Putin and Kim: new best friends irritate Beijing

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un display friendship and unity – without China. Both aim to reduce their dependence on Beijing. And each needs precisely what the other has. Together with China, the three countries form an anti-Western bloc. But their interests do not coincide.

By Christiane Kuehl

IAA Mobility 2023 in der Messe Riem vom 05.09.-10.09.2023 in Muenchen. Steffi LEMKE Bundesumweltministerin, Einzelbild,angeschnittenes Einzelmotiv,Portraet,Portrait,Porträt. *** IAA Mobility 2023 at Messe Riem from 05 09 10 2023 in Munich Steffi LEMKE Federal Minister for the Environment , single image,cropped single image,portrait,portrait,portrait

'Failing to act could become so costly that it could overwhelm the state'

The German "Climate Adaptation Week" aims to make it clear: The effects of the climate crisis are also clearly felt in Germany. In today's special interview, German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke demands that authorities and planners anchor adaptation in everyday life. And she calls for a reorienting agricultural policy, which has worked "against nature for centuries."

By Bernhard Pötter

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Leonhard Birnbaum: 'I hope France and Germany will find a way'

The reform of the European electricity market is in danger of failing due to the industrial policy interests of France and Germany, warns the Eurelectric President and Eon CEO. In an interview with Manuel Berkel, Leonhard Birnbaum talks about industrial electricity prices, capacity mechanisms and a lack of priorities in EU policy.

By Manuel Berkel

EVs: China reacts irritably to punitive tariff threats

China is reacting angrily to the EU's threat of punitive tariffs on EVs. The move is pure protectionism and would have negative consequences for trade between China and Europe. In the EU, too, subsidies are flowing into the development of the EV industry.

By Felix Lee

Poland: Election campaign between unequal opponents

On Oct. 15, Poland will elect a new parliament. The election campaign shows how unequally the power of the various parties is distributed. The ruling PiS party can rely on support from the media and state-owned corporations – and is handing out expensive election gifts.

By Redaktion Table

August 19, 2023, Taipei, Taipei City, Taiwan: In this handout provided by the TAIWAN DEFENSE MINISTRY, a Taiwanese naval soldier on board Tian Dan frigate is seen monitoring Chinese frigate Xuzhou using a binocular, as Chinese PLA conducts military exercises around the self-governing island. China s military launched joint air and sea patrols around Taiwan this weekend following the conclusion of a summit between leaders from the United States, Japan and South Korea to shore up alliance, amid Beijing s increasing military presence in the region. Taipei Taiwan - ZUMAh165 20230819_zih_h165_003 Copyright: xROCx

China's peace plan for Taiwan

Beijing presents a plan for peaceful unification with Taiwan. With much pathos and emphasis on economic opportunities, China courts the Taiwanese people and their companies. And simultaneously dispatches warships and fighter jets.

By Michael Radunski