Table.Briefings

Feature

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

Volvo

Europe’s EV plans could backfire

China reacted angrily to the announcement by EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen to have Chinese EV subsidies scrutinized and warned of consequences. This procedure could, in fact, also affect European carmakers.

By Felix Lee

September 5, 2023: Scientists For Extinction Rebellion group protesting at Westminster today.Scientists are hoping to to deliver a clear message to British MP s to stop licensing the fossil fuel companies. Britain is committed to granting hundreds of licences for North Sea oil and gas extraction as part of efforts to become more energy independent, drawing criticism from environmental campaigners.Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed plans for more than 100 such licences, which attracted bids earlier this year and said hundreds of future licenses could also be granted. - ZUMAg173 20230905_zap_g173_015 Copyright: xVelarxGrantx

Global Stocktake: The details hold surprises

Actually, the interim assessment of global climate policy is clear: The UN's long-awaited "Global Stocktake" shows the gaps and omissions in climate action three months before COP28, and attention is low. But the text contains some surprises.

By Bernhard Pötter

TM_Climate_Klimaproteste_weltweit_EN

Climate protests: A movement in crisis

Fridays for Future are calling for protests tomorrow, and the Last Generation wants to bring Berlin to a standstill starting next Monday. However, the number of protest participants is declining, and so is the support for the protests in society. Where does the climate movement stand in Germany and in the world?

By

Markus Grabitz, Amelie Richter (1)

Possible punitive tariffs on Chinese EVs

Paris has been calling for punitive tariffs on EVs from China for some time, and Ursula von der Leyen is now adopting the position. German premium brands in particular fear Chinese retaliation. Beijing speaks of pure protectionism.

By Markus Grabitz

Speech on the State of the EU: key points on China

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen positioned herself for a second term as EU Commission President with her speech. The State of the European Union (SOTEU) contained much praise for the Commission's work in recent years but also provided insights into the future, with China playing a central role.

By Amelie Richter

epa10569167 Taiwan Vice President William Lai addresses a press conference in Taipei, Taiwan, 12 April 2023. Lai announced he was nominated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to run in the 2024 presidential election. EPA-EFE/RITCHIE B. TONGO

The opposition in Taiwan lacks a vision

Incumbent Tsai Ing-wen (DPP) cannot run for re-election in the presidential elections in January after eight years in office. With four candidates in the race, one thing is certain: The next president will be a man.

By David Demes

'Europe also works with more than 30 states'

Von der Leyen advocates admitting Ukraine and other candidates to the EU and at the same time deepening European integration. She avoids concrete reform proposals – probably well-calculated.

By Till Hoppe